School Challenges
“This school sees their students’ diverse language background as a resource Letting children be the guides for new students, especially those who are new to the country and to the U.S. school system” (80). I like that they see the students as resources for other students because I see most students trusting in their classmates before they trust adults. The students can help the new students learn how things are done around the classroom along with how things work in the country. Also, the students could bond more about both not being able to speak English well, so they do not feel they are singled out. Since most students feel alone when they move to a new place and they don’t know anyone then add that they cannot speak the same language as most of the people they are going to come into contact with. They would feel very alone, so having the other students in the class reach out to them and help them find their way around, could be very welcoming to the new students. They could feel that they are not as alone as they thought they were. Also, there could be a chance that they come from similar backgrounds, so those students would be able to bond over things, so they could become closer as friends; that would make the transition easier for both students. The teacher would want to be welcoming and help the student in any way they need because the teacher cannot just ask the students in the class to help with the new students. The student would see the teacher making an effort for them to succeed, so the student would become more comfortable with that teacher and ask them for help.
Mel,
ReplyDeleteI like how you started off with a quote from the book that explains school challenges regarding language background. I would have to agree that seeing the students as resources for the other students is a very good strategy, especially if the student is struggling and the teacher cannot get to them at the moment. I would have to agree that the whole process of moving to a new country where they don’t know the language and go to a completely new cultured school is challenging. I think that it is important that the students welcome the new student with open arms and help the student learn the new language so they can function in the school correctly. I would also have to agree with you saying the teacher would want to be welcoming and help the student in any way they need because the teacher cannot just ask the students in the class to help with the new students. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your blog about the challenges faced with new students of different cultures.
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you emphasized how many school challenges can be overcome through community. Students are much quicker to trust their own classmates; it is also more fitting for students, with similar experiences, to be the guide for newcomers. A teacher without that relatable experience could be more of a hindrance than an aid. It is very easy for students to feel isolated, especially in a new country and school system; community is the best way to combat that isolation, with the support of the teacher. The teacher should be exampling how to welcome and encourage new classmates in adjusting to their environment. The student will likely find the most support from their peers; the teacher can assist that by encouraging group work.
I also appreciated how you specified that it is not the students` responsibility to create a welcoming atmosphere. It is the role of the teacher to foster that kind of environment; they should not put the sole task of inclusion on their students. The students` responsibility is mainly to learn, not to evaluate and alter the classroom atmosphere. While it is important for the students to be welcoming, it should be for the purpose of creating connections based on related experiences.