Dr. Martha B.

Ralls
Samford University

Name: _Avery Harrison____________

Date: 12/12/12__________________
Course: EDU 313________________

Diversity Responsiveness and Reflection

Directions:
On your own paper, describe briefly an event, educational experience or learning opportunity when you
worked with diverse students as a teacher or mentor. Write a succinct response to each question below
and attach to this sheet. Please hand in during the last week of the semester.

Describe event, educational experience or learning opportunity.

I am a Wydlife Life leader at Liberty Park Middle School which is located in Vestavia, AL.
Wydlife is YoungLife for middle school students. It seeks to meet people where they are, build a
relationship, and earn the right to share the Gospel. Twice a month, my team and I have club
which is the gathering of all middle schoolers. We play games and mixers as well as performing
a skit and teaching a lesson. A few weeks ago at club, I had the opportunity to deliver the
message on top of helping leading the games and skit. We had our first two African-American
students attend. There were also more sixth graders in attendance. This club was crazier than
ever. It was difficult to maintain students focus as well as mixing the 8th and 6th graders
together.

Question 1:
Reflect on what you learned about diversity from this occasion.
I realized that diversity is not just differences in ethnicity. These students are diverse in
how they act with one another, maturity, and how they learn things. Most 8th grade members
interact with just 8th graders instead of reaching out to the younger kids. Some of them;
however, will give up being with their friends to make new members feel welcome which is
diverse to the rest of the group. I also learned that it is so crucial to meet students where they are
and earn the right to form a relationship with them. Once you know a student, no matter how
diverse they are, stereotypes and preconceived notions will slowly diminish.

Question 2:
How can you incorporate what you have learned from this experience in your own classroom or school?
I would differentiate my lesson plans to cater the learning styles for my students. I can
engage students in my lesson by using games, group work, and class discussion. I can also bring
in speakers who might be able to connect and reach with a student that I have yet to connect
with.

Question 3:
How will you determine whether what you incorporated was effective or not?
I can determine the effectiveness through grades and class participation. I will also have
a team or co-worker help keep me accountable to reach the diverse needs of the student whether
it be difference of culture or of learning.