I totally relate to that Carol. I too have a "United Nations" class. We too have developed a culture of humor and tolerance. It's been a most wonderful experience which unfortunately will end in a few weeks when they complete the course.
I try to talk with my students as I move throughout the room. This informal interaction helps them feel more comfortable talking to me about any learning issues they might have.
You can learn how to identify diverse needs from seminars or your fellow co workers. Experience is the best teacher when working with a student one on one with diverse needs.
On the onset, appearance is not an indicator. Many students will tell you first hand of their problems. Methodologies to employ way to discover the diverse needs can usually be discovered within the first week. The student may be required to write a bio. You can learn from a short quiz and you can also develop a comprehensive understanding from their papers. An early indicator that is to an absolute method is to watch where the students sit. Many students with learning difficulties sit in the back of the class or furthest away from the instructor’s podium.
Do some research on the subject, and talk to other intsructor on there delvery
Hi Michael!
Are there any specific tools or techniques that you use in assisting diverse learners?
Thanks,
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
very well said, Judi!
Culture and cultureal diversity certainly plays a very big part in learning challenges.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Yes Jill, I agree! Often is just that extra interaction helps students to be successful! It's about building self esteem/
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
helpin a diverse student can be challenging but if you take the time to help them learn and use different types of learning styles it would make things easy on them.
The obvious answer is to ask your students. People usually know when they need help they just need to be made comfortable in asking.
Being aware of the cultural demographics of the area in which your school is located, understanding the differences in learning styles within each class setting and adapting your classes to encompass them all...changing to meet the needs of each.
I think an instructor needs to make additional time for these students in and out of the classroom setting which is not always easy. The more one teaches in their field the more "together" they become and can make more time for these diverse individuals.
An instructor needs to be able to speak to the needs of diverse students. His/her understanding of their language, culture, heritage, and behaviors will greatly enhance the classroom learning experience.
Sometimes, including the student's unique life experiences -based on their differrent cultural background- into the material or lecture, can help understand their challenges.
I often ask people abut their ethnic or country of origin background, and look for ways to tie that up into examples or experiences given on lecture
Instructor needs to be aware of diversities so that he/she can use different teaching strategies
Hi B. Caballero!
What better way to find out something than to ask?!?!?!
This could turn into an icebreaker activity for a new group of students.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Let the students into themselves on day one. Just like we do as instructors! Break the ice!
I engage in in troductory conversation with them to assess their needs, their understanding of language and materials. After which, I make an assessment of what my goal is for them and what i can do to help them. For example, assign an alternate text, invite them to talk after hours for additional discussion and so on.
One activity that may give me some insight as to how my students prefer to learn to simply to ask them. They should be able to tell me if they are stimulated by visual aids or if they prefer to just listen to a lecture.
I agree, having a student come before or after class can make them a successful student.
