Teaching Diverse Learners

Nicole Cummings

Week 2 Assignment #1: Teaching Diverse Learners

Answers based off of this video

How can teachers build on the background knowledge and experiences of their students when planning literacy instruction?

              Teachers can build on the background knowledge and experiences of their students by incorporating their cultures into literacy instruction. Certain texts can be read that address some of these differences in the classroom. Also, through sharing personal experiences the class will expand their cultural knowledge.

What are the pitfalls of assigning characteristics to a certain group of people?

              By assigning characteristics to a certain group of people you stifle the individual growth of the student. Even within a similar group of people you can have a lot of diversity. It is important to remember that every student is different and brings something special to the table.

How can you foster respect for the cultures and diversity of your students?

              You can foster respect for the cultures and diversity of your students by creating a community in the classroom. This is done by having the students share their personal experiences with each other and by showing respect for them. As a class, we can show cultural respect by trying to learn words in their language or try to partake in some celebrations. It is also important to have multicultural books in the class library so students can explore on their own time as well.

What does it mean to “scaffold” instruction?

              To scaffold instruction means to model to the students exactly what you would like them to do. The student will watch the teacher go through a couple of examples and then will try it out themselves, still with the teacher guiding. Eventually the student will perform the task independently. This type of instruction gives the student an understanding of exactly what is expected from them and allows them to build their confidence as they go.

How can teachers effectively use scaffolding strategies to create multilevel instruction?

              Teachers can use scaffolding strategies with all levels of learners. This can be done in a one on one setting or with small groups. This will allow the class to address the same topic while each learning level can work to their highest potential.

In what areas can you provide multilevel instruction in your classroom?

              Multilevel instruction can be used across all subjects.

What choices can you allow your students to make during reading and writing?

              Allowing students to make choices during reading and writing will increase their motivation. One choice you can allow them to make is the book they are reading within a certain genre or even the genre itself if that works for the assignment. The students can also make choices that involve how they complete a project as well as how they present the project.

Based on Professor Strickland’s explanations and examples, evaluate your own practices. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the differentiated instruction you currently provide?

              As a substitute teacher I mainly follow the teacher’s plans they left for the day. From my time in the classroom I have seen a combination of individual, small group and whole class instruction. It is apparent that the one on one time is very beneficial to the struggling students. While working with the smaller groups the other students are successfully working independently or with a partner. The only weakness I can comment on would be not having enough teachers in the classroom to provide more instruction for the struggling students. With only one teacher and one assistant it still seems difficult to address all the students every reading workshop period.

What changes might you make? How might you incorporate Professor Strickland’s examples into your own practices?

              I feel that Professor Strickland’s example of a 90 minute block for literacy instruction would work great for the older students. It would really allow a thorough investigation of a text all while taking a few different learning approaches during the lesson. This block would be harder to accomplish with a Kindergarten class but there are still ways to incorporate differentiated instruction to your lesson, mainly for reading.