1) I created this School Profile and Action Plan as part of the
required curriculum for Diverse Populations in
Today’s Schools, EDUC 5310, Spring 2007 because it is an assessment of my understanding of proper implementation of diversity and multiculturalism programs
within my school. (NCPTS
Core Value 2…teachers plan instruction appropriate for the students they
teach).
2) This assignment is a reflection of ACTFL Standards 2, 4 and 5. There
are no state standards since I am not seeking
certification at this time. ACTFL 2.1{…understanding relationship
between practices and perspectives of the culture} (NCPTS Core Value 3…know and respect
the influence of multiculturalism on a child’s developments and personality) The understanding of how multiculturalism influences students’ learning can make or break a program. I realized that our curriculum could be so much more effective if all cultures were
represented in the materials and in the class room, including
the wide variety of Arabs that populate the world. ACTFL 4.2 {…demonstrate understanding of the
concept of culture through comparisons of the culture studied and
their own} (NCPTS Core Value 2…knowing the ways in
which learning takes place) By observing the behaviors (verbal and
non-verbal) and teaching styles of myself and my colleagues and analyzing the learning styles and backgrounds of my students, I have a much clearer picture
of what types of activities (authentic) I need to create for my students to facilitate interest in learning and material acquisition and retention. ACTFL 5.1 {…use the language within
and beyond the school setting} (NCPTS Core Value 2…instilling a love of learning and self-confidence;
…developing skills of teamwork, leadership,
and cooperation in classrooms and schools)
By
facilitating a positive class / school / community relationship, and creating more productive and enjoyable activities for
my students, I think they will see that learning
is not a burden, and that it really will be useful for them when they reach the Middle East and begin their missions.
3) My Application Activity is a reflection of my understanding and awareness of student diversity within my community,
my school and my classroom. I made comparisons and contrasts of the diverse aspects of my school and its faculty using observations and research in texts and on the web. I successfully created solutions in areas in which the school is lacking in multi-culturalism.
4) This Application Activity has better prepared
me as a teacher because I now know how to properly plan for and implement educational procedures in my school and classroom
combining current research regarding foreign language learning methodology and current research
regarding a diverse population of students.
