Chapter 4 Learning Log

What?
This week was about cultural diversities. I loved the lesson we had in class where we looked at pictures of people and talked about what kind of a student they would be. I found it to be a horrible and very eye opening activity. I never thought people really judged that quickly about what kind of a student someone would be. Don't get me wrong if a kid was covered in chains and earrings I wouldn't necessarily think they were super excited to learn, but at the same time he might be. I am definitely perfect at this by any means but I thought all the students would be good students. Actions mean much more to me than a photo of a students. I can't tell what kind of a student anyone is going to be by a picture, their parents probably dressed them up for picture day anyway. I thought it was a very interesting lesson but it was also sad to see how quickly some of their teachers will judge them and I hope that does not affect them and put the bar down any lower.

So What?
I think as teachers we need to be extremely careful not to judge people based on their nationality or even on the color of their skin. Everyone talks about how America is a huge melting pot but sometime I don't think people have grasped that concept yet.

Now What?
This is a hard question for me on this one. Now What? I think really the only thing I can do is examine myself and see how quickly and to what degree I judge students. Also, make sure I am willing to give any student the same amount of help and determination no matter where they are from.

Chapter 5 Learning Log

What?
I loved our discussion in class this week about teaching students with mental handicaps and those who are gifted. I thought what Kristen Wright and Doctor Cox had to say was very relevant and will come up in our careers frequently.

So What?
It would be very niaeve for any teacher to think that this would never affect them or be present in our classrooms. We shouldn't be afraid to teach those who might learn differently or a little slower than the rest, or even those who may not be able to learn at all. It is important for us to remember that everyone deserves a right to get an education and be in the school system. No one should be shut out because they are not the "norm."

Now What?
I think that being a teacher is teaching all who are willing. To do this we need to learn as much as we can about the different conditions and learning types to help us reach out to many. We must not think that only teaching the masses is what we are paid to do. We need to look at EVERY student individually and ask what they need to learn and find a way to provide that for them.