Understanding Your Students Uniqueness

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Understanding Your Students Uniqueness

• Darla J. Layton
• 28 October 2002

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Content

• Introduction
• Aspects of Student Diversity
• Diversity and Multicultural Education
• Bilingual Education
• Reduction of Racism
• Teacher Awareness
• Conclusion

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Introduction

• A students uniqueness is defined by
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Language
• Religion
• Points of reference
• Learning ability
• Interests
• This uniqueness is an opportunity for an improved
  learning process.

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Diversity and Multicultural Education

• Diversity is not necessarily multicultural.
• Multicultural education involves diversity.
• Includes race, ethnicity, religion, points of
  reference, learning ability, and interests.
• Multicultural education adds spice to the
  classroom.
• The ideal? Diversity is so common, that it is
  no longer an issue.

5
Bilingual Education

• Bilingual Education should include ESOL
  instruction, sheltered subject matter teaching,
  and instruction in their first language.
• Mainstream the student when English is more
  proficient.
• How can knowledge be acquired if there is no
  literacy?

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Reduction of Racism
Diversity and Multicultural Education can lead to
a Reduction in Racism

• Show common life events.
• Common factors money, housing, food, and
  customs.
• Show respect and understanding in our differences.

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Teacher Awareness
A Requirement for a Diverse and Multicultural
Education is Improved Teacher Awareness.

• The teacher needs to be aware of his/her own
  biases.
• Become educated on your students backgrounds.
• Know the heritage views on learning, respect, and
  competition.
• Know the mind set on the value of education.
• Help the students feel valued, appreciated, and
  understood.

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Conclusion
The old adage, It takes a village to raise a
child. is true when it comes to education, and
the well being of a child. It takes the entire
school to help with the successful continuing
education of children, no matter the diversity.
We as educators need to be aware of diversity in
our students, the community, and ourselves. This
uniqueness is a wonderful opportunity for
improving the learning process.