IRIS Module

The IRIS module covered very important topics that we will be faced with everyday we are teaching in a classroom.

It is so important to be aware of students’ diversity in our classrooms. Each student is their own person, everything about them is unique to them and makes them a valuable addition to the variety in the student body. If we fail to acknowledge students’ backgrounds, cultures, religion and ethnic group we are not capable of making our lessons relatable and we are contributing to the feelings of isolation that can happen with some students. Teachers need to understand that one way or the high way is not a good way to teach. As varied as the students who come to our classrooms are, that is how much we should be prepared and informed and be able to teach.

The fact that teachers are still predominantly white should also be addressed. I am white and the only way I can inform myself of other cultures is by reading about it, taking a class on it, travel and experience it or converse with my friends about it. All of that takes motivated purpose. Without wanting to learn and expand their cultural, racial, and ethic knowledge, one does not just happen to get a broad understanding, they must actively pursue that. This does not exclude special needs students. The same process needs to happen to educate ourselves.

Knowing how behavior and language skills work together is also a vital ingredient to become an effective teacher. Many times, if one cannot voice their feelings of anger or frustration fluently they will likely lash out in a physical manner. To help a student build stronger language skills is also to help them gain the ability to express themselves verbally and talk it out rather than turn to physical violence. Maintaining a well-structured classroom seems to be the best way to help students behave better because it helps them feel safe. Feeling safe helps them relax and focus on what they are being taught. Including parents in the classroom also has a high impact on positive behavior changes.

I found this IRIS module very informative and thorough for the topics we covered in class. I am interested in checking out the other modules available for further topic investigation. I find it very comforting that these resources are available to us new teachers for pretty much anything we need help with is at our fingertips. Overall this module was very effective in reiterating everything we have covered over the semester.