Domain 3: Diversity of Learners

Teaching for diversity entails recognizing a variety of differences in the classroom. Teaching for inclusion entails accepting differences. Teaching for equity transforms the way we think, teach, learn, and act so that all experiences and ways of being are treated fairly and justly. Diversity brings people new ideas and experiences from which they can learn from each other. Educators must bear in mind and observe their students' gender identity, needs, interests, strengths and weaknesses, and experiences. Teachers must assess students' abilities and help them grow so that they can express themselves more confidently.

When we are dealing with or teaching a large group of students, we notice that they all learn in different ways. I've met students who excel in one subject while struggling in another. Some students are average learners, and I must admit that these students need assistance. I also encountered students who were slow learners, which tested my ability to manage them. Based on my experiences, I believe we teachers must focus on these students and cater to them gradually so they can communicate with other students. Based on the two different classes I've worked with, it's clear that grade 2 students from Visca Foundation Elementary School are far more active than grade 2 students from Baybay II Central School (South). I must say that teaching grade 2 students from VFES is not complicated for me because they are very active and advanced. Though students in grade 2 at Baybay II Central School are not that active, their written assessments never cease to amaze me. The majority of the Grade 2 students are engaged in seat work and problem-solving.

Practice teaching taught me to recognize the abilities of my students. We should not force them to do things they are not capable of doing as teachers. I think that we should help them understand something better without putting too much pressure on them. Because one student differs from others, we must consider what they already know and what they still need to learn. I believe that the students' diversity should not prevent them from achieving their goals. We are there as teachers, not only to teach them but to show them that there is nothing wrong with being different and nothing wrong with failing. It is hard to be a teacher. It takes strength and determination to meet the students' needs. In any situation student’s encounter in the classroom, the teacher must devise and provide solutions to their problems. As a future teacher, one of the essential roles that a teacher must take part in, to be an effective teacher is to consider the diversity of learners.

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