As classroom leaders, teachers have many opportunities to encourage everyone to respect people of all backgrounds and abilities, and promote a positive classroom environment that supports learning and decreases disruptive behavior. Teachers should reflect on their own values and beliefs in order to understand any underlying effects these beliefs may have on their instruction and interaction styles with students. Such awareness can help teachers be more objective, have more empathy and understanding of others, and set the tone for a respectful and cooperative learning environment.
Prepare a 750-1,000 word reflective essay on the topic of diversity and learning environments. Within your essay, address the following:
- Describe personal frames of reference regarding cultural, linguistic, and gender differences.
- Reflect upon how your personal background and frames of reference can, however unintentionally, create bias in your relationships with students and families, how you design instruction, and the classroom environment you promote.
- Describe specific ways to decrease potential bias in your classroom, including ways to incorporate your students’ abilities, interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds into the learning environment.
- Support your essay with 3-5 scholarly resources
