BLOG #18 Final Reflection

Our class involving "Diverse Learners" has been very thought provoking. The groups, panel discussions, and projects have correlated well with the readings in the textbook, Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society. Our class, as a group, has been a true representation of our pluralistic society in which we live.

It is important to remember that sometimes, as particular groups or cultures, we live and work in areas that have similar people. While no two people are the same, there are many likenesses within cultural groups. As humans, we should be open to each others' stories and life journeys. Much can be learned from each other.

I have personally enjoyed listening to the stories shared from our classmates. Their stories have literally come from all around the world. Many differing experiences and perspectives have been shared. I will walk away from this class with a pocketful of interesting thoughts and ideas concerning ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, exceptionality, language, religion, geography, and age.

BLOG #17 Age

Like culture groups, people are associated with their age groups. In this chapter, age as it relates to students and education is addressed. Poverty affects an estimated 10-11% of Americans. However, it is concerning to see the large numbers of children, 18%, who live in poverty. Low income children may have inadequate housing, nutrition, and medical care.

Kids Count is an annual report that lists states rankings in at-risk areas, such as child death rates, high school drop outs, and single parent families. Child abuse is another issue affecting more than 2.5 million cases per year. Sudden changes in behavior, lack of adult supervision, and passive or withdrawn behavior could be warning signs of child abuse.

Adolescence involves youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. At-Risk youth behaviors may include substance abuse, suicide, and violence. Some possible signs of substance abuse could include changes in sleep patterns, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and weight changes. As an educator, it is important to understand age and
and its issues, as they relate to our students.

BLOG #16 Geography

While physical geography encompasses the earth's surfaces, human geography involves the economic, social, and cultural systems of our planet. There is a great deal of diversity within the United States, as this country continues to gain various peoples from around the world. Traditionally, white European Americans have been the majority represented in the country's population. Those numbers are changing as seen in states like California, New Mexico, and Texas where less than 50% of those populations are considered white.

While the Southern, Appalachian, New England/ Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southwestern, and Western regions of the U.S. have varying histories and characteristics, each region has developed into rural and urban areas. Currently, the world-wide trend is to move to more urban areas in search for jobs and better resources. However, it is the trend in the U.S. to move out to more rural areas.

The economic, environmental, political, and cultural systems both impact and connect the world. Events in one area can affect events in other areas. While technology is improving communications, as well as the job market, the majority of the world has been unchanged by its advances.

BLOG #15 Motor Function and Auditory Learning

Smart kids may have motor function and auditory learning difficulties which adversely affect school achievement. Mild motor weaknesses can grow into major disabilities, if they are not dealt with appropriately. Students may be faulted with bad attitudes when written work is not completed. Muscles, coordination, and memory all play important roles in small and large motor function. Automaticity in forming letters and in handwriting is vital in school, yet some students do not naturally have strong motor memory for such tasks. Good teaching practice does involve helping students with handwriting skills. That includes forming letters and numbers, holding the pencil correctly, and placing the letters with correct directionality and size. Progressing in accuracy and speed aids in note taking, as well as written composition. While there are advocates for teaching manuscript and cursive, students need to be fluent in whatever form they are taught. Mechanical aids, such as typewriters, word processors, and tape recorders can also assist students with written work.

Students need to understand how to listen before they can learn. Children who have suffered from ear infections and allergies may have disrupted perceptions, causing misinterpretations of words and conversations. Auditory learning develops through individual conversation. Daycares, non-English speaking care givers, and overly tired parents may inadvertantly cause difficulites as well. While some children can organize two languages, many cannot. Language acquisition may be disrupted or prolonged if the child's primary language has not become fluent before being exposed to other languages. Another factor can involve the overuse or stimulation of television and video games. The average sentence on T.V. is between four and six words in length. Imagery is provided, as well. Children are not being trained to listen and understand more mature levels of language while sitting in front of computers and televisions.

Smart kids can have school problems. It is important for teachers and parents to be on the lookout for potential problems. When a child is preparing to enter kindergarten, that child's health history and early language development needs to be reviewed. Being proactive can make a difference for a child and his or her success.

BLOG #14 Religion

According to Gallup Polls, over half of Americans today feel that religion is a very important part of their lives. Another quarter of Americans believe it is fairly important. While gender,age, geography, and political affiliation play a large part in those numbers, it is safe to say that religion is important in our present day society. It is also important to note that the people in our country have varied belief systems.

The four major faiths in the United States today include Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. Other religious groups include the Latter Day Saints, Eastern Orthodoxy, Christian Science, and Native American Religions. Jainism and Sikhism evolved out of India, while Baha'ism was founded in Persia, or Iran. New Age Spirituality, Wicca (witchcraft), and Cults are movements on the rise, as well.

The First Ammendment to the United States Constitution in 1791 states that the government is not allowed to make laws that establish or prohibit religion. Although the Supreme Court banned prayer in schools in 1963, groups have tried to get it reinstated. Even though the Seperation of Church and State prohibits the practice of religion in a school district, religion can be taught as a concept to study. Students may be exposed to various differing belief systems without having one imposed on them. While schools can teach religious awareness, they are forbidden to attempt to pressure or convert students into accepting particular faiths.