IRIS Modules

Classroom Diversity:

I: Challenge

Is it important to acknowledge students’ diversity in classroom settings?

Why or why not? What should teachers understand in order to address student diversity in their classrooms?

It is very important to acknowledge students' diversity in classroom settings because it determines whether or not they feel comfortable in the classroom. A sense of belonging and feeling comfortable in the classroom is essential for student success and learning, and students should always feel that they truly are a part of their classroom and that they are cared for.

Teaching English Language Learners

I: Challenge

What do teachers need to know about students who are learning to speak English?

What teachers need to know about students who are learning to speak English is where the students are mainly practicing their English, if they have someone at home who they can practice with, and the level of English in which the students are at.

What are some general instructional practices that can be beneficial to students who are learning to speak English?

Some general instructional practices that can be beneficial to students who are learning to speak English is to give them time to converse with their peers. The best practice the students can get is by actually practicing their English. We want to challenge them to talk with their peers in English, and to ask as many questions as possible.

What should teachers consider when testing students who are learning to speak English?

When testing students who are learning to speak English, teachers should consider that students may only recognize words if they are read aloud to them. So teachers should read the test aloud to students and also remember to make any clarifications. If possible, teachers should work with the students to translate the questions for them and to make sure that they understand everything so that language is not a reason they do not pass a test. To make sure that tests are testing a specific subject and not always English.

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

I: Challenge

What influence does culture have on a student’s school success?

Culture influences every aspect of our lives and of our students lives. Culture is who we are, where we were born, the language we speak, the things we believe, it is everything. In the life of a student, culture also determines how important education is to them. If they come from a home where the student is encouraged to believe that after high school, they are going to get a job and not go to college, the students are not likely to care about school. Culture influences how well students can work with others and how well they can communicate. It also determines the priorities of the student, some students may choose to excel in their social lives instead of choosing to excel in their academic lives.

How does linguistic diversity influence classroom performance?

Linguistic diversity influences the classroom because being a student who doesn't know English, in a school were instruction is mainly in English, is like being a student who speaks only English, trying to learn Language Arts, Mathematics, History and Science in another country, such as Germany.

What impact do culture and language have on a family’s involvement in school and on their child’s education?

Culture and language have a huge impact on family involvement in the education of a student. If a family feels that they wont be supported in the learning environment of the student, they won't bother because they do not have the means to be involved to begin with.

Interview:

Considerations for Dual Language Learners

Carola Matera describes strategies and environmental considerations that teachers should keep in mind when they have young DLLs in their classrooms

Carola Matera, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Studies at California State University Channel Islands, describes strategies and environmental considerations that teachers should keep in mind when they have young DLLs in their classrooms.

Reflection: In her interview, PhD Carola Matera talks about the considerations and strategies teachers should take into consideration if they have Dual Language Learners in their classrooms. One of the main things Dr. Matera describes in the interview is consistency. She believes that consistency is essential in a classroom so that DLL students feel they are truly part of the classroom and not just a group of students that do something extra for the last 45 minutes of the day. Activities should be centered around the needs of all students, so that students can naturally participate in activities and feel like they belong.

Another important thing Dr.Matera mentioned is that as teachers we need to make cultural approprations for our students and embrace their culture. The culture that we embrace, however, should be culture that the students bring in and not something that us teachers assume. This was a major AHA moment for me. Being of Hispanic/Mexican-American culture, it is easy for me to assume that all Spanish speaking students are the same as me and that is almost never true. As similar as the Hispanic/Mexican culture might be from home to home, it is never the same and we should never assume the culture of our students unless we want to find ourselves offending them. This interview was extremely impactful for me and it made me more aware of how to become a better teacher.

Video Vignette:

Define American: Jose's Story

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist asks his viewers to question what it means to be an American.

Jose Antonio Vargas was born in the Phillipines and moved to the United States when he was 12. Jose talks about his arrival in the United States and his educational journey. He talks about the many things he was able to achieve, such as his Pulitzer Prize.

At the age of 16, Vargas was accused of using a fake greencard by the woman at the MVD. This was when he realized that he was an immigrant in this country, otherwise known as an illegal. He then began to feel like he did not belong. He talks about the way his teacher supported him and changed an entire school field trip from going to Japan to going to Hawaii. His teacher was supportive of him and helped him to feel better about who he was. He defines American as hard-working, proud to be in America and someone who contributes to society. He understood that he was and is an American, because although he wasn't born here, he contributes to this society and he is proud.

He challenges us as teachers to encourage our students and remind them to be proud of who they are and to never make our students feel as if there wasn't a way. There is always a way and we have to help them see it.

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