To reflect on understandings of learner diversity

Aim

To reflect on understandings of learner diversity.

Evidence and reflection

Think about the four metaphors for teaching diverse learners in terms of similarities and variations. (a) Are there any that particularly resonate with your own experiences, or that interested, or even surprised you? (b) What are the key ideas they raise about the role of a teacher and the role of learners? (c) Think about a class you know well and reflect on your feelings about teaching the diversity of learners in it. What would your metaphor be and why?

Extension

Reflect on what your metaphor expresses about (a) ‘sameness’, (b) ‘difference’ and (c) ‘belonging’ in the classroom?

More in this chapter

• To reveal the interconnectedness between key categories of social difference
• To review the possible influence of common dimensions of inequality on our expectations of students
• To explore the concepts of cultural capital, emotional capital and social capital
• To explore issues related to sexual harassment
• To explore students' understanding of disability
• To explore students' understanding of family practices and roles
• To reflect on common forms of social differentiation and polarization
• To reflect on the quality and consequences of relationships between teacher and students
• To investigate assessment results, their use and implications
• To consider aspects of school life which disadvantage one gender group at the expense of the other
• To identify students who exhibit quiet, non-participatory behaviour during your lesson
• To explore students' perceptions of playground friendships
• To reflect on our understanding of inclusive education
• To explore school policy and provision for learners identified as having special or additional needs
• To explore curriculum content, across all subjects, for issues of social inclusion
• To consider the arguments for single sex and mixed sex groupings
• To consider promoting positive images of various ethnic minority groups