Student Diversity

In order to create a learning environment which is assessable for all students no matter what gender, race, or economic background, a teacher must be aware of everyone in their class and their views. A great way to do this is to have the students fill out a information sheet at the beginning of the year. This assignment will ask the students about their hobbies, interests, dislikes, and general background information such as how many and what languages they speak. This is a very good resource for a teacher because it informs them about their students. A sample copy of one of these forms will be attached to the end of this document. When preparing a lesson it necessary for a teacher to consider many other things besides the content of the lesson, which include, the various backgrounds of the class, like/dislikes of the students, hobbies, languages, and learning disabilities. One way a teacher can incorporate the hobbies of their students into the lesson, is to find real life examples of mathematical concepts that can be related to the hobbies of the students. Once such example is if a student is on the baseball team, when the teacher is going over parabolas they could work an example that has to deal with the height of a baseball after it is hit. Another example is when the teacher is going over proportions they could relate it too shopping and how if one object cost X amount then ten of those same objects would cost 10 X. By finding real life examples of where math can be used the teacher is relating a mathematical concept to something that a student already knows and finds enjoyable. This will cause the student to want to know more thus improving their outlook on the subject. If there are students in a class who do not speak or understand English well a teacher may decide to group the students in such a way that those who do not speak/understand English are grouped with students who maybe able to translate for the students. If there is enough students who speak another language the teacher may ask either an ELL (English Language Learner) teacher to translate a worksheet or notes into the proper language for those students. Teachers should also be aware of the languages of their students parents. If a parent does not speak English then the teacher will need to make sure that when they send letters home that they have translated the letter into the proper language. Another way that teachers can help ELL students is to work with visuals as well as manipulatives. This may help bridge the language gap between the students and the teacher. In the case in which a student, or students, have special learning needs such needing to be in the front row due to poor eye sight or having to sit on one side of the class due to poor hearing in one ear. The teacher should keep these in mind and seat the student accordingly. In the case that a student has a reading or writing disability the teacher should talk with the school's specialist and see what modifications are needed. Some examples of modifications are writing another test with fewer problems, or extended time on assignments. In any case it is the teachers responsibility to teach every student to the best of their ability. In conclusion there are several ways to facilitate the learning of students. From using real life examples to involve students to writing a different test for students who have learning disabilities. A teacher should always be mentally aware of their students and should act accordingly. There are plenty of resources for teachers to utilize in aiding them to help all their students.

Name: Date:

Class:

20 Questions
Please answer every question in the space provided. 1. What is your name?

2. What is your favorite color?

3. What languages do you speak? What language do you speak at home?

4. What other classes are you taking?

Class

Teacher

Time

Room Number

5. What is your favorite food?

6. What is your favorite subject in school?

7. Who is your biggest role model?

8. Who is your favorite teacher? Why?

9. Where is one place you would want to live?

10. What do you want to do for a living?

11. What are you plans for after High School?

12. What are some of your Hobbies?

13. What clubs do you participate in? If none name one club that you would like to start?

14. What is your favorite Movie? Why?

15. What is your favorite type of music? Favorite Band? Favorite Song?

16. If you could meet one person in the world who would it be? What would you ask them?

17. What is your favorite topic in math?

18. How do you learn best? (ie. Visually, audibly, with your hands, seeing lots of examples)

19. What can I do to make this class fun/enjoyable for you?

20. Do you have any learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Visual impairment, Auditory impairment?

Bonus: What is one question that you would like me to answer for you?