In this awesome IRIS module, the focus was on how to teach culturally and linguistically diverse students. The main points that were touched on were: culturally responsiveness, communication, language acquisition, linguistic supports and family involvement. A highlight about culturally responsive teaching is that we have to know our own "thoughts, values and behaviors" and constantly reflect on those three things! Our ability to teach fairly and effectively is dependent on knowing ourselves. I really found the section about communication helpful and what I really took away goes back to this quote in the module: "Listen to what students say, not how they say it." Many students are going to communicate differently then what I am used to but that is not what I should focusing on while a student is speaking, it is what they are saying that I should be focused on. In addition, I should respond traditionally in order to model a different way of communication for them. In the Language aquisition section, what I took away from it was BICS (basic interpersonal conversational skills) and CALPS (cognitive academic language proficiency). As a teacher I need to remember that children are often quicker to pick up BICS because of the constant modeling from their peers, they are generally being modeled CALPS from teachers and adults. Lastly, family involvement is so important for all students and teachers. This is how we learn more about our students and give students an opportunity to see that teaching is not just done by teachers in a school; families allow rich opportunities. This is especially true for culturally and linguistically diverse students!!!
What resources are available at most public schools to support teachers be culturally and linguistically responsive educators?
"Learn about the beliefs and values of a variety of cultures, whether or not those cultures are represented in the class"
Variety of Ways that a Disability is Viewed as:
"Cultural Competence: An ability to learn from and respectfully relate to other cultural backgrounds, heritages, and traditions."
This interview really reverberated the IRIS module I watched. I was expecting, by the title, that it would be about using other verbal languages alongside English in the classroom. I think this interview was titled this way because the interview was about the connections you make when teaching concepts and making sure they are culturally relevant. Leonard Baca emphasized how students will do better and teachers will have a slightly easier job if the material that is taught is culturally relevant! I really liked that point he made because not having culturally relevant instruction is like planting a coffee plant in the desert, it is just not natural! When Leonard Baca also spoke about going out of the way to involve parents is how parent involvement happens, notices in their child's agenda is not going to influence a parent that does not feel welcome or comfortable at the school to go.
In this quick three minute video, it is summarized how to assess ELL's, what factors play into an ELL's success and how modeling (with visual, oral and call back) also supports these students.