A culturally competent teacher should not only understand a student’s views on culture, they should be able to find a way to accept the culture they might be faced with. Acceptance plays a huge role in society, especially in a school setting. In every classroom, there are multiple diverse learners who are willing to learn about sociocultural differences.
The teacher has to respond with an open mind, educate themselves in different diverse cultures and participate in connecting with students on their level. It is important to learn how to make an assessment verses judging students. Being open minded and educated about this issue will give the student’s a fair evaluation. Educating the students on diversity will make everyone comfortable in the classroom setting. By using a variety of assessment techniques, this can be the beginning of a learning environment. It is important for the students to feel comfortable when talking about sociocultural differences.
Things have changed a lot through the years. The students in a classroom are all from diverse backgrounds. They interact with one another and usually welcome the differences between them. The world is changing every day and with its change brings new experiences and lessons. The teacher(s) should learn as much as they can about diversity in a classroom. Not only will the teacher learn from this experience, the students will feel more comfortable with their teacher.
The teacher should be responsive in regards to the linguistic, ethnic and sociocultural characteristics of the students in his or her assessment in a positive way. When a teacher thinks positive, it can only bring goodness to the classroom. By the teacher showing his/her enthusiasm to the students in regards to these areas, the student will feel comfortable with the teacher and the classroom will excel.
While tutoring at Jamesfield Elementary school the other day, the classroom teacher discussed the subject of holidays. Mrs. Thomas began to talk about the Christmas season. Some of the students did not understand the Christmas holiday season; therefore she educated them on the meaning of Christmas. Mrs. Thomas wants all the students to be educated on all of the holidays that each student celebrates. It is a fun thing to do and sometimes stories can be shared about the holiday that could put a smile on every students face. The classroom is all about educating the children and on the other hand making them happy in the long run. This issue on accepting different cultures tied in with the thoughts of Lisa Delpit. This theorist talked about diversity in her article called “The Silenced Dialogue”. Lisa Delpit believed educators should be recognized, be aware of and treasure the cultural strengths that a student brings to a classroom setting. No one has the right to judge anyone else’s culture. People shouldn’t feel their culture is any better than anyone else’s. Different cultures should be accepted by everyone in the classroom including the teacher. Diversity is good for the world. We as upcoming teachers and students need to accept diversity as a whole. Only good things will happen if everyone accepts diversity in the changing world we live in.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Challenges
Every parent has their own different opinion on how to raise their child. One might agree or disagree on a certain idea or topic dealing with a school setting. One parent might believe the child should learn how to read by a certain age. On the other hand, another parent might believe the child should take their time with the reading process and not worry about what age they will learn how to read. Similar problems could possibly occur within the classroom having to do with the teacher and the parent of a child. Teachers should be motivating and helpful when it comes to students learning abilities. Some parents leave it up to the teachers or service learners to teach their child how to read and write. On the other hand, some parents believe it is their job to teach their child such skills. This could be an issue in the classroom because each student will be at different levels of reading and writing, which is usually normal. Not all children learn how to read and write at the same pace as other children. I believe service learning is a great way to get the child involved in the importance of reading and writing. (or any subject) Since the parents of certain children are not willing to sit down and guide their child into the right direction having to do with school, the service learner can help the child with any issues they might be having. Service learners can be a motivation for the child not matter what sociocultural background they may come from.
Since the culturally competent teacher should work with families and community resources in order to understand different families and the learning process, the teacher should be able to gather the basic concept that not all families are the same. Each family has different community resources which will or will not help their child learn. Family participation is extremely important when dealing with learning. If the parent of certain child is not willing to put in the effort to show how important learning is, the child will never understand.
While tutoring at Jamesfield Elementary School, I have noticed that parents of certain children do not put in enough time and effort in the learning process. That would bother me as a teacher because learning is when a child acquires innovative knowledge, behavioral skills and values which will soon be needed in the child’s near future. This could be a problem if I was the teacher of this classroom. I do not like to see children being left out just because their parents could care less about learning. Don’t get me wrong - most parents do seem to care about their child’s progression in school, but other parents won’t even give their child the time of day to learn.
In this not so perfect world, teachers and service learners should come to realize that every parent is different in their own way. I connected this issue dealing with parents, teachers and service learners with the theorists Kahne and Westheimer. Kahne and Westheimer dealt with respecting ones community. I believe educators should provide knowledge and educational experiences to all different races and religions. Service learning is a way to motivate students to learn what is out there in the world and how they can help others in need. Family participation is necessary in today’s society. Respect must be shown no matter what one parent might believe in.
Since the culturally competent teacher should work with families and community resources in order to understand different families and the learning process, the teacher should be able to gather the basic concept that not all families are the same. Each family has different community resources which will or will not help their child learn. Family participation is extremely important when dealing with learning. If the parent of certain child is not willing to put in the effort to show how important learning is, the child will never understand.
While tutoring at Jamesfield Elementary School, I have noticed that parents of certain children do not put in enough time and effort in the learning process. That would bother me as a teacher because learning is when a child acquires innovative knowledge, behavioral skills and values which will soon be needed in the child’s near future. This could be a problem if I was the teacher of this classroom. I do not like to see children being left out just because their parents could care less about learning. Don’t get me wrong - most parents do seem to care about their child’s progression in school, but other parents won’t even give their child the time of day to learn.
In this not so perfect world, teachers and service learners should come to realize that every parent is different in their own way. I connected this issue dealing with parents, teachers and service learners with the theorists Kahne and Westheimer. Kahne and Westheimer dealt with respecting ones community. I believe educators should provide knowledge and educational experiences to all different races and religions. Service learning is a way to motivate students to learn what is out there in the world and how they can help others in need. Family participation is necessary in today’s society. Respect must be shown no matter what one parent might believe in.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
My Teacher Identity
An identity is something a person is known for – a specific characteristic that makes that one person who they are as an individual. By becoming a tutor at Jamesfield Elementary School, I believe I have grown in a various amount of ways. Even though this certain classroom is not my own, I feel welcome and accepted within my surroundings. Just to be part of these student’s lives, I feel honored to help them in any possible way I can, even if helping them consists of something simple.
As a young child I always wanted to become a teacher. I love observing children in different environments other than their comfort zone. The one thing I enjoy doing the most is helping people. No matter what age or sociocultural background they come from, I am willing to lend a helping hand. Because I was raised into a family that always seemed to care, I find the importance to reach out to others in need. By becoming a teacher, I believe I can try my best to assist youngsters with their troubles in school.
One little boy in particular I seem to favor – not on purpose. Whenever Larry sees me, he always has a huge smile on his face with a story to tell. He is always looking to be the center of attention. Last week when I walked into the classroom, he ran over to me and would not let me go. He always feels the need to put himself out there for others to recognize him. My heart reaches out to Larry because he seems like the type of child who lacks attention outside of school. He is as cute as a button and always has a positive remark about certain subjects. He questions different things as to why I wear my hair a certain way or why my nails are bright pink. He is curious to why it rains one day and is sunny the next. Larry also questions different learning strategies within the classroom such as why 1+1 =2 or why 9-6=3. By observing his way of thinking, I believe it relates to Ira Shor. (Empowering Education) Shor believes that students should question things and be heard within a classroom. Ira Shor’s critical pedagogy deals with students questioning and challenging beliefs. Students should gradually build confidence to speak out and ask questions. As for Larry, he is not afraid to do so. He shows leadership and empowerment dealing with certain subjects of learning.
So far, this tutoring experience has been amazing. I really do enjoy walking through the doors of Jamesfield Elementary School to see all of the little arms waving and the faces smiling back at me. I believe this was the call for me to peruse a job in the field of education because I know the children need someone like me who is willing to lend a helping hand. Because of this experience, my teacher identity is now raised to a level where I can see success, a type of success that I am ready to achieve.
As a young child I always wanted to become a teacher. I love observing children in different environments other than their comfort zone. The one thing I enjoy doing the most is helping people. No matter what age or sociocultural background they come from, I am willing to lend a helping hand. Because I was raised into a family that always seemed to care, I find the importance to reach out to others in need. By becoming a teacher, I believe I can try my best to assist youngsters with their troubles in school.
One little boy in particular I seem to favor – not on purpose. Whenever Larry sees me, he always has a huge smile on his face with a story to tell. He is always looking to be the center of attention. Last week when I walked into the classroom, he ran over to me and would not let me go. He always feels the need to put himself out there for others to recognize him. My heart reaches out to Larry because he seems like the type of child who lacks attention outside of school. He is as cute as a button and always has a positive remark about certain subjects. He questions different things as to why I wear my hair a certain way or why my nails are bright pink. He is curious to why it rains one day and is sunny the next. Larry also questions different learning strategies within the classroom such as why 1+1 =2 or why 9-6=3. By observing his way of thinking, I believe it relates to Ira Shor. (Empowering Education) Shor believes that students should question things and be heard within a classroom. Ira Shor’s critical pedagogy deals with students questioning and challenging beliefs. Students should gradually build confidence to speak out and ask questions. As for Larry, he is not afraid to do so. He shows leadership and empowerment dealing with certain subjects of learning.
So far, this tutoring experience has been amazing. I really do enjoy walking through the doors of Jamesfield Elementary School to see all of the little arms waving and the faces smiling back at me. I believe this was the call for me to peruse a job in the field of education because I know the children need someone like me who is willing to lend a helping hand. Because of this experience, my teacher identity is now raised to a level where I can see success, a type of success that I am ready to achieve.
Sociocultural Differences
Who knew that tutoring at an elementary school would be so intriguing? Everyday there is always something new to analyze and think about. One topic that I thought was interesting dealt with the student's cultural background. A huge majority of children in this school are from Hispanic background. Besides the students who come from Hispanic background, the other majority of students come from African American, Asian, Native American and White background. Twenty-five percent of these students are bilingual. I have noticed students saying phrases and words here and there in another language besides English. I am sure those students speak that language outside of school within their own home or community.
As for education, I observed that the children master the concept of writing fairly well. On the other hand, data shows that writing is not one of the students strong subjects. As I tutor some of the students, I have noticed they are grasping the main concepts. For example, they understand that a punctuation mark belongs at the end of a sentence and every word at the beginning of a sentence needs to have a capital letter. I can tell that the students enjoy writing in their journals about what makes them happy. Once they have completed their assignment, they are so proud and look for recognition (maybe because they don't receive enough acknowledgement at home).
All twenty-six students in my first grade class room are always looking for attention and love. By listening to their stories and exciting weekends, I can tell their life at home isn't what I expected. I thought the parents of these children would be more involved with their school life along with their social life. Jayna, a Hispanic girl in my tutoring group always tells me her father never plays with her. She is constantly upset because he has no time for her. It breaks my heart to hear this little girl say that her father doesn't have time to interact with her. It seems to me that Jayna's father doesn't have the patience for his own daughter. It just takes five minutes to make a child happy - I am sure he can find the time. In doing so, I believe it will strengthen Jayna's wellbeing and give her confidence to talk highly of her father.
I have noticed that the certain classroom I am tutoring has a mixed number of cultural backgrounds. I would have to say most of the students are from a Hispanic background and the other ten percent are from a White background. By observation, the students don't seem to care about who came from what sociocultural background and why. They all get along no matter what one may look like. Like Jonathan Kozol believes, all students are equal no matter what sociocultural background they come from. Students should not feel left out or segregated because of their race or ethnicity. Kozol believes segregation is still present in society and in many school curriculums. Throughout the days that I do go and tutor at Jamesfield Elementary School, I do not see segregation within any part of the school. I am only there twice a week; therefore I do not know what goes on the other three days that I am not there to tutor.
By reviewing data from Jamesfield Elementary School, the parent participation rates are low and the children are unsupervised throughout the week. This could possibly be because the parents don't have the time to spend with their children. More or less, they just don't seem to care. As a parent, you should care about your child and their progression in school. By going to school, it shapes the students development in society.
As for education, I observed that the children master the concept of writing fairly well. On the other hand, data shows that writing is not one of the students strong subjects. As I tutor some of the students, I have noticed they are grasping the main concepts. For example, they understand that a punctuation mark belongs at the end of a sentence and every word at the beginning of a sentence needs to have a capital letter. I can tell that the students enjoy writing in their journals about what makes them happy. Once they have completed their assignment, they are so proud and look for recognition (maybe because they don't receive enough acknowledgement at home).
All twenty-six students in my first grade class room are always looking for attention and love. By listening to their stories and exciting weekends, I can tell their life at home isn't what I expected. I thought the parents of these children would be more involved with their school life along with their social life. Jayna, a Hispanic girl in my tutoring group always tells me her father never plays with her. She is constantly upset because he has no time for her. It breaks my heart to hear this little girl say that her father doesn't have time to interact with her. It seems to me that Jayna's father doesn't have the patience for his own daughter. It just takes five minutes to make a child happy - I am sure he can find the time. In doing so, I believe it will strengthen Jayna's wellbeing and give her confidence to talk highly of her father.
I have noticed that the certain classroom I am tutoring has a mixed number of cultural backgrounds. I would have to say most of the students are from a Hispanic background and the other ten percent are from a White background. By observation, the students don't seem to care about who came from what sociocultural background and why. They all get along no matter what one may look like. Like Jonathan Kozol believes, all students are equal no matter what sociocultural background they come from. Students should not feel left out or segregated because of their race or ethnicity. Kozol believes segregation is still present in society and in many school curriculums. Throughout the days that I do go and tutor at Jamesfield Elementary School, I do not see segregation within any part of the school. I am only there twice a week; therefore I do not know what goes on the other three days that I am not there to tutor.
By reviewing data from Jamesfield Elementary School, the parent participation rates are low and the children are unsupervised throughout the week. This could possibly be because the parents don't have the time to spend with their children. More or less, they just don't seem to care. As a parent, you should care about your child and their progression in school. By going to school, it shapes the students development in society.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Day 1 of Tutoring =]
Monday, September 21st was my first day of tutoring at an elementary school. I was very tense about the idea because I did not know what to expect. Once I pulled up in front of the school, I realized that my Aunt lives right across from the elementary school on the same street. This made me feel comfortable knowing that if I needed anything I could just cross the street and ring the doorbell. There were so many cars in the area and parking seemed a little tight. Therefore, I parked in front of my aunts house and then proceeded walked up the steep stairs in the front of the enormous building. I felt intimidated as I entered the door to the right which was the entrance to the main hallway. The inside of the school was very dark and the hallways were empty. As I looked around, everything seemed gloomy, but I did not want this to ruin my experience. The office was straight ahead so I opened the door and put my information in the binder as told. The secretary was extremely pleasant and was willing to help me out with any questions I had.
I proceeded to enter my teachers office in which she explained to us what our tutoring experience was going to be like. During the hour and a half I was there, the teacher was explaining to myself and three other tutors what to expect. Our teacher handed out a school schedule to us which showed certain holidays and professional days that school was not session. She then gave us the basic rules of the school which was necessary to know. In addition, she showed us the different games that we were going to be playing with the students. Games such as rhyming, reading short stories, ABC's, matching, distinguishing the different letters from the alphabet from one another, sounding out words, spelling simple words, etc. After learning the basics of what I was expected to do, I was eager to get started tutoring and interacting with the students one on one.
We did not have time to go into our classrooms to see the students that we would be tutoring because my instructor was explaining what we were going to be teaching the students in the next few months. I did see students walking up and down the hallways. As I was watching them, I noticed that they were very respectful to other classmates. One little girl held the door for her friend and waited for her to come out of the office. They then began to walk down the hallway together going on their merrily way to class. On my first day, I felt as though friendship was valued in this school and also within the classroom. All of the students had a smile on their face which made me want to interact with them even more. The students looked happy to be in the school and were well behaved. I am eager to tutor and meet the students when I go back to the school this Wednesday, September 30th. I know I am definitely going to enjoy every minute of this experience and I am hoping the students benefit from this experience as well!
I proceeded to enter my teachers office in which she explained to us what our tutoring experience was going to be like. During the hour and a half I was there, the teacher was explaining to myself and three other tutors what to expect. Our teacher handed out a school schedule to us which showed certain holidays and professional days that school was not session. She then gave us the basic rules of the school which was necessary to know. In addition, she showed us the different games that we were going to be playing with the students. Games such as rhyming, reading short stories, ABC's, matching, distinguishing the different letters from the alphabet from one another, sounding out words, spelling simple words, etc. After learning the basics of what I was expected to do, I was eager to get started tutoring and interacting with the students one on one.
We did not have time to go into our classrooms to see the students that we would be tutoring because my instructor was explaining what we were going to be teaching the students in the next few months. I did see students walking up and down the hallways. As I was watching them, I noticed that they were very respectful to other classmates. One little girl held the door for her friend and waited for her to come out of the office. They then began to walk down the hallway together going on their merrily way to class. On my first day, I felt as though friendship was valued in this school and also within the classroom. All of the students had a smile on their face which made me want to interact with them even more. The students looked happy to be in the school and were well behaved. I am eager to tutor and meet the students when I go back to the school this Wednesday, September 30th. I know I am definitely going to enjoy every minute of this experience and I am hoping the students benefit from this experience as well!
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