Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Reflection 1.4
I agree that to teach effectively, we as teachers, must be prepared to address diverse experiences that children bring to the classroom. I want to teach so that I can help students understand my passions, but I also must come to terms with the idea that I will not be able to teach in a universal manor. Individual students learn at individual rates. Some students may come to class more focused on how they will be able to make enough money after school to purchase food for their family. Its my job as their teacher to understand the social-economic differences that students face and to effectively grasp their attention so that they will be able to leave my classroom with additional knowledge that will help them succeed with their lives.
This would all be so much easier if we could teach all kids the same way and reach them all equally. I admit that I worry a lot about balancing time and effort between kids of different backgrounds--encouraging the high-achievers to slow down and learn, challenging the gifted, supporting those who need help. We have to be so sensitive and so careful.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great and difficult concept to understand and come to terms with. It is often the great debate in the classroom, yes? How do we prepare these students for life and at the same time, help them discover their potential? How do we move the curriculum along when everyone is learning at a different pace? You may never reach an answer, but the fact that these issues are on your mind shows a great amount of insight.
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