Designing Classroom Environments

"Cultural differences can affect students' comfort level in working collaboratively versus individually, and they are reflected in the background knowledge students bring to new learning situations." (Moll et al., 1993)

There are many instances when we are given a child that is not up to par with the standards set forth in our curriculum. In response, we vent about the child's inability to produce work, struggle to teach the child the basic skills, and question how this child progressed into the next level- your class. All we are doing is affecting our ability to see beyond the facts and we cement ourselves within the problem.

I am ashamed to admit I am factor of this bias-nature. Instead of moving past the obvious, I vent and achieve nothing. I try my patience to teach these students yet frustrate myself when they don't understand. I vent again and question...and question again!

Am I achieving anything? Of course not! As a reflection of this behavior, I read the quote again and see that I need to change my attitude and work on my ability to teach. I need to create an environment for these students that is "learner-centered" not "joann-centered." I need to stop venting and start teaching. That's my job! When I allow each student to feel comfortable enough to learn, have all accessibility to learn, and take patience to help them learn, then I can say I am doing my job.

Every student is unique in their own right. They all learn differently- some get it, some takes time, and some need more help than others. Regardless of the situation, we are teachers tasked to provide students with an adequate education. I know what I need to do to improve myself and in doing so, I hope to become a better teacher.