Diversity Article

Though educators in general believe that not all students learn the same way, they often treat their students similarly. A student’s family background, culture, and SES affect his/her learning. Currently, educators are more biased towards uniformity over diversity. Educators need to determine what material can be taught is a similar way to all students, and what needs to be taught in different ways to engage each student. Instructional tools must be created and adapted to all students so as to cater to each student’s specific learning needs. Culture and learning style among students are connected, as well as the culture of an educator and his/her teaching style. To achieve diversity, an educator must believe in a deep understanding of the multiple learning styles that each student possesses. Learners who are accommodated more frequently by way of learning style often receive more immediate success.
This article was a good refresher for me. It talked about the importance of teaching to each student’s style of learning, and stressed the importance of discovering each students abilities and learning style early. Having background information on different types of learning and things to look for to assess each student’s learning style is an important aspect of being a well prepared educator. The article made me excited about discovering new ways to engage students and help each one be successful. I want to be a teacher of the 21st century who uses technology and new and different teaching styles to benefit all of my students.