Learning and Action Plan

EDU 204 Teaching in a Diverse Society

Learning and Action Plan

1. What do I know now that I didn't know before I took this class? 

During this course, I was able to hear many perspectives. One that resonated with me was the module where we learned about socio-economic status, specifically the Ted Talk by J.D. Vance America's Working Class. I learned that children that are in the working class are much more likely to face what’s called adverse childhood experiences or in other words childhood trauma. This just makes me more aware that students' lives at home can affect their education.

2. What can I do now that I couldn't do before I took this class?

 I believe that now I am more prepared when addressing diversity in the classroom. I learned how important it is to promote it and help students be open minded. I learned about incorporating diversity in the classroom, for example diverse literature, being open to students using their native languages, and hearing their stories about their country and culture.  I am now more aware about these topics and making sure they are understood in the classroom. 

3. What could I teach others to know or do that I couldn't teach them to know or do before I took this class?  

I can now teach others about how to support ELL students in the classroom. Some of the things that can support them in learning English are visual aids, repetition, and scaffolding. I had the opportunity to work with an ESOL teacher for my field placement and I was able to learn many scaffolding strategies that can help future educators. 

4. What are my most significant challenges going forward related to becoming an effective culturally responsive teacher? 

 I believe that one of the significant challenges will be putting our biases to the side. Personal experiences, social media and stereotypes can affect many. Not only that, but setting an inclusive environment can also be challenging. It can be difficult to address some interactions. For example, addressing discrimination and stereotypes. We need to make sure to prepare for these talks. 

5. What must I do to overcome these challenges?

 As a teacher we need to have self awareness, we should try and get a deeper understanding of cultures, history and connect with other communities. This will help us understand our students better and enhance our teaching in the classroom. For setting an inclusive classroom, we should promote respect and inclusion with our students. Make sure you address inappropriate behaviors immediately and thoughtfully. Make sure your student’s voices are heard, many students have stories to share that can impact their classmates' thinking.  

6. What am I committed to doing to further my knowledge, dispositions and skills related to multicultural diversity? 

To gain a better understanding of multicultural diversity, I am determined to educate myself, interact with other cultural communities, improve my active listening skills, and seek to understand their perspectives. I'd also like to advocate for change, support inclusion and diversity, and speak out against discrimination. This includes listening to our students' voices; as teachers, we must help our students be heard.