Group Differences Learning Log

What?

In this chapter we learned about being able to recognize the differences between students. There are natural barriers between students that occur just because of age, sex, race, or social status. It is important to notice these differences and work with them to the best of our ability. It is not smart to be colorblind in the classroom. You just need to be sensitive. There are also students that are at high risk which means that they have a high probability of dropping out of school or failing. We need to pay special attention to these individuals and make an extra effort to help them succeed. Many times these student don't have a good parent figure that gives them the confidence to do well in school, so it may be out job to be there for them to support and encourage them. We can't teach to one group of students or be bias in any wayl. We need to be sensitive to these different groups and be a nuetrlal player. Everyday as teachers we look through our cultural lens; our cultural background. We neeld to keep an open mind and by willing to learn about other cultures in order to better understand our students.
There are a few gender differences between boys and girls. First misconception is that one gender is not better in math or writing then the other. This common misconception is false and we must not gleltl trapped in guiding our student's in directions that are not always good for them. Boysl do seem to express themselves in a more phsyical aggressive way while girls are more emotional aggressive.

So What?

This topic is really important. That is why we devote a whole class to this very issue. Students in the United States all have come from different backgrounds and cultures. This is unlike a situation as if you were living in Japan where everyone had the same culture. Teachers need to be aware and do their best not to label students before you get to know them. Just because their asian, doesnt mean their smart. And just because their black, doesnt mean they play sports. These are common assumption, but we can't label students. Give them a clean slate and really get to know them. If there is a cultural mismatch, as teachers we need to be flexible and willing to work it out with the students so they don't have to compromise their culture, but still are learning in your classroom.

Now What?

As a future teacher, I think it would be benefical to start to get to know other cultures NOW. Why wait. Be outgoing and chatty and get to know those I assiciate with better and learn about their culture. This will not only allow me to get to know my friends better, but I will be better prepared for the day that I have something come up in my classroom! I think it is smart to look up the demographics of the school I'm going to be teaching at to know how many student's are on free or reduced lunch because that effects their socioeconomic status. this information will give me a heads up and I can be sensitive to that.