Diversity

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Nov 24, 2024

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Diversity And Learning Environments Reflective Essay 1 DIVERSITY AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS REFLECTIVE ESSAY Jizelle Pruneda Grand Canyon University: SPD 540 Professor Zunker November 16, 2023 Introduction

Diversity And Learning Environments Reflective Essay 2 In order to effectively instruct and engage students, teachers must adapt their teaching styles to accommodate various learning preferences. It’s imperative that teachers create a classroom that promotes learning based on the diverse needs of the students. Teachers need to be trained or have experience in order to teach a group of students with different backgrounds and abilities. Differences in how people identify as male or female, how they speak, and their culture affect how teachers teach in the classroom. Furthermore, the teacher's personal history may cause favoritism in the classroom and affect how parents feel about them. The bias will affect how things are taught and the atmosphere in the classroom. Teachers need to make sure the classroom includes different backgrounds of their students. Recognizing the individuality of each student and embracing their diversity will lead to greater learning and success for all. Personal Frames of Reference The United States is often referred to as a melting pot, where people from all different cultural backgrounds come together to form a diverse population. Compared to other countries, the diversity in American classrooms is unparalleled (Tarbutton, 2018, p 5). It is crucial to understand the unique characteristics of each student and establish a nurturing atmosphere that embraces the variety of the students in the classroom (Tarbutton, 2018, p 5). However, Educators may struggle to connect with students from diverse backgrounds due to their limited knowledge of their cultural backgrounds (Dray & Wisneski, 2011, p 28). This happens because we frequently develop stereotypes or biases from our personal encounters, which we then utilize as a reference point. How Personal Background Creates Bias

Diversity And Learning Environments Reflective Essay 3 Unfortunately, I have my own way of looking at things that can make me treat students and families unfairly, teach in a certain way, and create a classroom environment that may not work for everyone. My first personal frame of reference concerns gender. As a young teacher, I thought working with male students would be more difficult, or they would disrespect me more. I have been advised not to be in a room alone with a male student as it may be perceived as inappropriate. I am always careful when interacting with my male students due to these beliefs, which may hinder our ability to form a strong connection. However, through experience, I realize that this concept is wrong. I observed minimal distinctions between the genders and discovered that mutual respect was reciprocated by my students. Another example of a personal frame of reference that interests me is culture. Because of the different ways people see things from their own culture, I was worried that I might not be able to understand and connect with some of my students. For instance, I helped a student from a country where men are seen as more powerful because of strict gender rules. We worked together a lot. When I tried to work with this student, he often ignored me and did not listen to me. However, upon being asked the same question by the male teacher, the students quickly provided their answers. Because of this, I started to put all the students from this country into the same group and would intentionally stay away from them because I was annoyed. However, after gaining insight into their culture, I discovered that my initial beliefs about respect were simply based on a misunderstanding of their traditions. Things became more difficult between me and the students due to my frustration. One last example pertains to the success of students. There is a common belief that students in special education are not capable of achieving the same level of success as their

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Diversity And Learning Environments Reflective Essay 4 peers in traditional education. My prejudice against special education led me to believe that I couldn't handle the patience needed for such a job. However, my perspective shifted when I began working in close collaboration with special education students. It has become clear to me that students with disabilities possess greater potential than assumed by many. Strategies to Decrease Bias It's essential to resist being swayed by the biases shaped by personal perspectives. Teachers can utilize methods to grasp a variety of perspectives and start embracing diversity. The initial approach is for teachers to contemplate their experiences and comprehend their personal frame of reference. An article written by B. J. Dray and D. B. Wisneski states, “Teachers may not realize how students from different backgrounds behave and how this affects how they teach and interact with them every day” (Dray & Wisneski, 2011, p 29). Prior to comprehending and embracing the diversity in their students, teachers should reflect on any hindrances they might have put in place (Dray & Wisneski, 2011, p 28). By recognizing and understanding their own biases, teachers can minimize the impact of these biases on their teaching. Once teachers have taken time to reflect, they can start to focus on understanding the individual differences of their students. Recognizing and taking into account the variations and likenesses within various cultures can decrease potential biases. (Burnette, 2019). Teachers play an important role in benefiting culturally diverse students by enthusiastically acknowledging and embracing their individual and cultural differences” (Burnette, 2019). One effective method for understanding diversity is to encourage students to discuss their cultural beliefs and traditions in a classroom setting. As a result, students can improve their

Diversity And Learning Environments Reflective Essay 5 understanding of their classmates and teachers can enhance their knowledge of their students. The act of openly sharing personal anecdotes within the class setting can promote the formation of positive relationships among students. Upon understanding the classroom's diversity, a teacher can create an environment where all students feel valued, respected, and appreciated. Creating a conducive learning atmosphere requires educators to form good relationships with their students through understanding and personal connection. Our top priority is to create a learning atmosphere where all students feel secure, self-assured, and capable of participating and learning. A safe and nurturing learning environment is essential for cultivating student interest and commitment to their education (Greenleaf, 2006, p 2). In this context, students will experience a more immersive learning environment. Alignment of Christian Values The Christian perspective values the notion of establishing a societal setting that revolves around "benefiting others in ways that support human well-being" (GCU, n.d.). By following this idea, teachers can make a place where students can grow and do their best by understanding their strengths, interests, and needs. Creating this setting requires focusing on "kindness, fairness, and consideration for the greater good" (GCU, n.d.). We live in a society with many kinds of people, but everyone should have an equal opportunity to do well and be happy, because we are all the same in the eyes of God. So, it's really important for teachers to show their students how to be nice, caring, and helpful to others. The children in our classes will grow up to become significant leaders someday. It is necessary for teachers to get them

Diversity And Learning Environments Reflective Essay 6 prepared for that. Schools must establish an environment that fosters students' understanding and practice of kindness, community service, fairness, and global betterment. Conclusion Creating an atmosphere where all teachers and students value diverse differences will improve learning, motivation, and engagement. In order to do this effectively, teachers need to first reflect on their personal perspectives that shape their teaching and interactions with students. Through this awareness, teachers will be able to recognize the diverse needs of their students and create an inclusive and cooperative learning environment that considers the individual circumstances of each student. References

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Diversity And Learning Environments Reflective Essay 7 Burnette, J. (2019). Strategies for Teaching Culturally Diverse Students. TeacherVision. https://www.teachervision.com/teaching-strategies/strategies-for-teaching-culturally- diverse-students Dray, B. J., & Wisneski, D. B. (2011). Mindful Reflection as a Process for Developing Culturally Responsive Practices. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 44(1), 28-36. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005991104400104 Grand Canyon University. (n.d.). Integration of Faith and Work at GCU. https://www.gcu.edu/Documents/IFLW.pdf Greenleaf, P. (2006). I'd Rather Be Learning: How Standardized Testing Leaves Learning Behind and What We Can Do. United Kingdom: Lulu.com. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/T_wDSH_SHbsC?hl=en&gbpv=1 Tarbutton, T. (2018). Leveraging 21st Century Learning & Technology to Create Caring Diverse Classroom Cultures. Multicultural Education, 25(2), 4-6. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1181567.pdf

Diversity

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