Diversity
Diversity is an important issue for educators to plan for and implement. Personally, I see many more similarities in my students than differences; however, any educator can tell you that different students learn in different ways. I feel that recognizing diversity is important to closing gaps and inequalities in our culture (Steele, 2019), but it is also good pedagogy. Differentiation and scaffolding are a must. Providing different modalities for various learning styles is required in an effective classroom. Great strategies to help close these gaps are gamification (Toscano, et.al., 2015) and culturally responsive pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 1995). I have increased the use of both in my classroom since beginning my master’s degree and have seen significant changes in my student’s involvement and work ethic. Teaching middle school can be challenging. Students who are not being reached often give up. By engaging learners and making content relevant to their unique personal view of the world, many gaps can be mitigated. Gamification helps increase motivation. Special Education students often feel a sense of inclusion when working in an online world. Some of my special education and EBD students excel in game-based learning where otherwise, they can often be marginalized. Making connections both intellectually and personally are needed for learners to succeed. As the FLL coach at my school, I often connect with students more than I can as a class-based teacher. This relationship building helps me form trust and support a diverse student base.
Below are the five ways I support diversity in my current position:
References
Allen, S. (2017, February 7). Blended learning transformed our school. ISTE. Retrieved from
https://www.iste.org/explore/Lead-the-way/Blended-learning-transformed-our-school
Banks, J. A., & Banks, C. A. M. (2003). Handbook of Research on Multicultural Education. Jossey- Bass.
Common Sense. (n.d.) Common Sense Digital Compass™ | Educational games for kids to help teach digital citizenship and digital literacy skills. Retrieved from
https://www.digitalcompass.org
Curtis, E. (2016, October 8). Chrome Extensions for Struggling Students and Special Needs. Control Alt Achieve. Retrieved from
https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2016/10/special-needs-extensions.html
Edutopia. (2016, June 21). Resources for Closing the Digital Divide. Edutopia. Retrieved from
https://www.edutopia.org/digital-divide-technology-access-resources
Gonzalez, J. (2018, April 15). 4 Ways Microsoft is Making Learning More Accessible. Cult of Pedagogy. Retrieved from https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/inclusive/
Hobgood, B., & Ormsby, L. (2010). Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology. Learn NC.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (n.d.). Essential Conditions | ISTE. International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved from
https://www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions
The IRIS Center. (2011). Teaching English language learners: Effective instructional practices. Retrieved from
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/ell/
Toscano, J. C., Buxó-Lugo, A., & Watson, D. G. (2015). Using game-based approaches to increase level of engagement in research and education. In TeacherCraft: Using Minecraft for Teaching and Learning (pp. 139-151). Retrieved from http://wraplab.co/publications/Toscano-Buxo-Lugo-Watson-2015.pdf
Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). But that’s just good teaching! The case for culturally relevant pedagogy. Theory Into Practice, 34, 159–165. Retrieved from
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1476635
Lee, D. (2014). How to Personalize Learning in K-12 Schools: Five Essential Design Features. Educational Technology, 54(3), 12-17. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/44430266
Lokey-Vega, A. & Stephens, S. (2018) A Vision for Personalized Learning in Georgia K-12 Schools. White paper retrieved from www.bagwell.kennesaw.edu/personalizedlearning
Lombardi, D., & Shipley, T. F. (2021). The Curious Construct of Active Learning. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 22(1), 8–43. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100620973974
Love, N. (2008). The data coach's guide to improving learning for all students: Unleashing the power of collaborative inquiry. Corwin Press.
Microsoft. (n.d.). Using Microsoft Translator for Education. Retrieved from
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/using-microsoft-translator-for-education-f96d43c2-b5a4-40e5-b1b5-43763e6f10b6?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us
November, A. [The Brainwaves Video Anthology]. (2014, May 5). Alan November - Who Owns the Learning? Preparing Students for Success in the Digital Age [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/NOAIxIBeT90
Panteldis, V. (2009). Reasons to use Virtual Reality in education and training courses and a model to determine when to use Virtual Reality. Themes in Science and Technology Education, 2(1-2), 59-70.
Richards, H. V., Brown, A. F., & Forde, T. B. (2007). Addressing Diversity in Schools: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 39(3), 64-68.
Roblyer, M.D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching: Transforming Learning Across Disciplines. Pearson. (Original work published 2010).
Sheninger, E. (2019). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times: Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times (Second ed.). Corwin.
Singh, N. (2020, October 13). How to make an infographic. Learn; Canva. Retrieved from
https://www.canva.com/learn/how-to-make-an-infographic/.
Steele, C. (2019, February 22). What is the Digital Divide? | Digital Divide Council. Digital Divide Council. Retrieved from http://www.digitaldividecouncil.com/what-is-the-digital-divide/
The Benefits of Infographics for Education - Content Marketing Agency | Content Marketing Services by CopyPress. (2020, March 30). Content Marketing Agency | Content Marketing Services by CopyPress. Retrieved from https://www.copypress.com/kb/infographics/the-benefits-of-infographics-for-education/
Below are the five ways I support diversity in my current position:
- Game-based Learning—As I explained above, my students respond very well to this in my classroom. It helps them feel like they are all on the same level and they work together and get along much better when they can connect and cross the lines of diversity, whether this is cultural, intellectual, or even just who they hang out with at school. I enjoy seeing my students really connect though this type of learning, and I feel good about how it supports diversity in my classroom.
- Culturally Responsive Pedagogy—A specific example of how I focus on this in my classroom is through my Minecraft lesson called Respecting Diversity. In this lesson, the students bring various aspects of their culture and into their Minecraft world through music, language, and traditions. This helps them respect diversity in general and shows that in the world of Minecraft they can coexist peacefully and respect each other’s differences. This can translate into the real world, and I try to consistently point this out in our daily interactions together.
- Scaffolding—In my classroom, I teach students on many different levels so to help them be successful, I have no choice but to use scaffolding in my teaching. I build on prior knowledge in my lessons and take away support gradually as needed. Some students handle this better than others, and this helps me see where to place my focus in various lessons. For example, some students come to me with better computer skills than others and I can trust that they will continue certain lessons with less assistance from me, allowing me to concentrate on those who may need extra help. I also allow some of these students help me assist others when needed and this not only helps those students feel needed, but the students who need extra help often feel less frustrated when working with a peer. Other examples of scaffolding I provide are instructional videos placed in CTLS for the students to watch and refer to at any time, PowerPoints with instructions and resources, and small group instruction when needed.
- Remediation of Critical Standards—The above examples I referred to as examples of scaffolding can also be used as examples of remediation. After using assessments, the students enjoy and will try their best in, such as Flipgrid and Kahoot, I analyze the results and use small group instruction and review videos to help reteach standards that may have not been as successful as others. This keeps me on track and keeps me from wasting time reviewing standards the students have mastered.
- Coach of First LEGO League competition team at McClure—By coaching this team, I am supporting diversity by bringing together students of different backgrounds and walks of like and helping them come together to reach a common goal. I enjoy seeing the students overcome their differences and feel proud of what they can accomplish together. I’ve seen some of the most unlikely friendships come out of the team and this helps me feel that I’m doing my part as an educator supporting diversity in my classroom.
References
Allen, S. (2017, February 7). Blended learning transformed our school. ISTE. Retrieved from
https://www.iste.org/explore/Lead-the-way/Blended-learning-transformed-our-school
Banks, J. A., & Banks, C. A. M. (2003). Handbook of Research on Multicultural Education. Jossey- Bass.
Common Sense. (n.d.) Common Sense Digital Compass™ | Educational games for kids to help teach digital citizenship and digital literacy skills. Retrieved from
https://www.digitalcompass.org
Curtis, E. (2016, October 8). Chrome Extensions for Struggling Students and Special Needs. Control Alt Achieve. Retrieved from
https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2016/10/special-needs-extensions.html
Edutopia. (2016, June 21). Resources for Closing the Digital Divide. Edutopia. Retrieved from
https://www.edutopia.org/digital-divide-technology-access-resources
Gonzalez, J. (2018, April 15). 4 Ways Microsoft is Making Learning More Accessible. Cult of Pedagogy. Retrieved from https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/inclusive/
Hobgood, B., & Ormsby, L. (2010). Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology. Learn NC.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (n.d.). Essential Conditions | ISTE. International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved from
https://www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions
The IRIS Center. (2011). Teaching English language learners: Effective instructional practices. Retrieved from
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/ell/
Toscano, J. C., Buxó-Lugo, A., & Watson, D. G. (2015). Using game-based approaches to increase level of engagement in research and education. In TeacherCraft: Using Minecraft for Teaching and Learning (pp. 139-151). Retrieved from http://wraplab.co/publications/Toscano-Buxo-Lugo-Watson-2015.pdf
Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). But that’s just good teaching! The case for culturally relevant pedagogy. Theory Into Practice, 34, 159–165. Retrieved from
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1476635
Lee, D. (2014). How to Personalize Learning in K-12 Schools: Five Essential Design Features. Educational Technology, 54(3), 12-17. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/44430266
Lokey-Vega, A. & Stephens, S. (2018) A Vision for Personalized Learning in Georgia K-12 Schools. White paper retrieved from www.bagwell.kennesaw.edu/personalizedlearning
Lombardi, D., & Shipley, T. F. (2021). The Curious Construct of Active Learning. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 22(1), 8–43. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100620973974
Love, N. (2008). The data coach's guide to improving learning for all students: Unleashing the power of collaborative inquiry. Corwin Press.
Microsoft. (n.d.). Using Microsoft Translator for Education. Retrieved from
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/using-microsoft-translator-for-education-f96d43c2-b5a4-40e5-b1b5-43763e6f10b6?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us
November, A. [The Brainwaves Video Anthology]. (2014, May 5). Alan November - Who Owns the Learning? Preparing Students for Success in the Digital Age [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/NOAIxIBeT90
Panteldis, V. (2009). Reasons to use Virtual Reality in education and training courses and a model to determine when to use Virtual Reality. Themes in Science and Technology Education, 2(1-2), 59-70.
Richards, H. V., Brown, A. F., & Forde, T. B. (2007). Addressing Diversity in Schools: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 39(3), 64-68.
Roblyer, M.D., & Hughes, J. E. (2019). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching: Transforming Learning Across Disciplines. Pearson. (Original work published 2010).
Sheninger, E. (2019). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times: Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times (Second ed.). Corwin.
Singh, N. (2020, October 13). How to make an infographic. Learn; Canva. Retrieved from
https://www.canva.com/learn/how-to-make-an-infographic/.
Steele, C. (2019, February 22). What is the Digital Divide? | Digital Divide Council. Digital Divide Council. Retrieved from http://www.digitaldividecouncil.com/what-is-the-digital-divide/
The Benefits of Infographics for Education - Content Marketing Agency | Content Marketing Services by CopyPress. (2020, March 30). Content Marketing Agency | Content Marketing Services by CopyPress. Retrieved from https://www.copypress.com/kb/infographics/the-benefits-of-infographics-for-education/
