Diversity Article Reflection

This article brought to light an issue that I hadn’t previously considered in-depth: that as teachers, we acknowledge diversity but uniformity “still continues to dominate school practices” (Guild).  Prior to reading Guild’s article, I had always assumed that the recognition of the fact that we will be teaching a classroom full of diverse learners with different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, religious beliefs, multiple intelligences, disabilities, etc., meant that as teachers we would naturally cater to such diversity.  However, Guild provides plenty of examples as to how this (unfortunately) is not often the case.  Especially under the stress of standards-based education and performance-based assessment, teachers can easily fall victim to uniformity as a means to reach efficiency.  However, in doing this, we are shortchanging our students, possibly without even realizing it.  I realized that I am guilty of seeking superficial “solutions” when it comes to catering to the needs of diverse learners.  As an example of such a fallacy, Guild notes that oftentimes teachers feel they are providing a “visual” learner with an effective teaching strategy by simply putting words on an overhead projector rather than giving instructions orally.  While this might be an honest attempt at varying instruction for the visual learner, it technically doesn’t get at the heart of what works best for them.  Guild reminds us that an “image, symbol, or visual representation” of the information would be far more effective.  It may take a little extra thought and work, but it will be much more effective for our visual students.  Thus, in order to be a teacher that is aware of and compliant to diversity in our students and their learning styles, it is crucial to look a little deeper and think outside of the box.  Guild reminds us that consistency and depth are keys to ensuring that we are providing the best possible teaching and learning sequences for our students.  Lastly, not only will this article make me more aware of the differences among my students, but it will also help me to make sure that I do not stereotype them based on the insight I gain to their unique situations and will rather make it my goal to learn as much as can about them as individuals as opposed to members of cultural groups.  I will simply use my understanding of their culture and background to aid me in understanding them as individuals.