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Statement of Informed Beliefs Melinda Taylor Professor Evin Fox Families, Communities and Culture Spring 2013

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STATEMENT OF INFORMED BELIEFS Introduction As a future teacher, it is important to have a plan. Understand that a variety of children from different backgrounds and family situations will be present in the classroom. Dealing with different abilities, learning styles, and cultures come with the job. Making sure all of the students have the same opportunities is essential in being a teacher because the classroom is where most socialization happens. Setting goals and doing your part in the socialization of the youth are both large parts of a teaching career and must be understood fully before beginning any teaching adventure. Students Ability to Learn All students learn differently. There are many different stages of brain development that do not always happen at the same time. This is why it is important to make sure curriculum is developmentally appropriate. This means that the students are learning at a pace suitable for them. Some children may be fluid readers in the second grade while others may have difficulty and learn more slowly. Some will sound out words while others will focus on word parts. Understanding the students on an individual level and knowing their learning styles can help make sure that they all have the same opportunities in the classroom. Teachers Expectations Setting goals for students individually and as a whole is a significant part of running a successful classroom. Learning should involve all students regardless of development. Students should learn to work by themselves and as a whole to reach goals. Letting students know at the

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beginning of the year what they are going to accomplish prepares them for what is to come. Creating objectives also helps a teacher stay on schedule and follow routines. There are many different ways for classrooms to meet these goals. Having students give feedback at the end of the year can help make sure things go better the next year. Having high standards for grading can help students do better on tests. Students Social Ecology Theory Teachers are shaping the future generations. They play a major role in the socialization of the youth; however, they are not alone. Parents are the main source of socialization to their children. They instill the same morals, values, and beliefs that their parents instilled in them. Because children spend the most time with their families, parents play the most important part in socialization. Communities are also significant. Often the popular behaviors of the citizens are reflected in the majority of the children. Cultures socialize the youth as well. Teachers collaborate with all of these three agents to make the future generations effective members of society. Cultural Diversity Instruction Living in what is known as the Melting Pot teachers in America will probably teach a variety of cultures. It is important to understand the difference between cultural pluralism, which is the general appreciation of all cultures, and cultural assimilation, which is when the minority groups become like the majority. Part of giving all students the same opportunities is accepting all cultures and respecting their beliefs. Some parents may speak another language and in order to communicate with them the student may need to act as a translator. Some may have

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religious beliefs that oppose some activities and other options will need to be available to those students. Curriculum for All Learners Teachers must make adjustments in their classroom to make sure all students may participate. Using different methods of reinforcement may be necessary to motivate students to learn. Change may occur at the last minute and flexibility is a must. Using different techniques to keep the students interested must take place. Guidance and discipline can be used to help direct learning. Assessing students learning is essential to make sure teaching methods are effective. Using a mixture of both standardized testing techniques to prepare them for the future and authentic assessments to test their understanding based on performance should be used. Conclusion As a future educator, I believe in giving all students the same opportunities regardless of abilities, learning styles, and culture. I believe in setting specific goals and using many different techniques to achieve these goals. I believe in making adjustments and playing my part in socializing the youth. A teacher plays perhaps the most important role in society and being prepared for this career is key.