This case study examines a teacher who has a diverse classroom, some of which are ELL. The teacher, Morris Dyer, questions his capabilities when his students receive various different marks, which makes him reflect on his quality of teaching.
Part One:
First off, Morris Dyer is a quality teacher because after the lesson he realizes that his teachings had flaws and believed it was time to “re-evaluate his teaching methods, his expectations of his students, and his approach to assessment.”. Being a quality teacher isn’t something that happens overnight, nor is it based on the principle that you can be fun. Being a quality teacher is someone who listens, understands, and connects with their students by developing quality/engaging lessons that reflect their learning capabilities. A quality teacher plans lessons and activities and understands the needs of the classroom regarding UDL and DI. This is important because not every student learns at the same level, and being a quality teacher, lessons and activities should adhere to all students. However, being a quality teacher doesn’t fall back on what you teach or how you teach, sometimes one must look at what they are doing. Teachers should constantly reflect on their abilities and how they deliver and organize to provide a quality experience for the students. As we can see in the case study, Moris recognizes that it isn’t the students but more than likely himself. His ability to recognize this and change his methods proves that he recognizes where he needs to focus so that all the students can learn. Like I stated before, we aren’t all going to be quality teachers from the start, similar to how students learn we need to constantly reflect and reevaluate our position and build on what we learn to become better teachers/learners.
Implications for Practice:
What defines normal these days? I have a hard time recognizing this because of the vast differences/exceptionalities that exist today. I don’t think there is such thing as normal, because what exactly is the definition of normal. Going into teaching I believe that having an idea of a normal child is detrimental and can cause a biased opinion of students. I think it’s important to recognize that each and every student will be different from the next, sure there will be students who exceed others, while some may struggle to learn or have difficulties. Going into a classroom I think the best way to challenge this myth is to get to know students first, learn where they come from, what they like/dislike, and what their values/beliefs are. This although will only allow me to know the students it will be easier to make judgments after I learn how they do in a classroom setting. I think also bringing awareness and acknowledging differences in a classroom as a whole is truly important, although I will know that differences are there the students may not. I think it is just as important for students to recognize differences, whether it’s personality, learning abilities, or mental differences this helps students know that it’s okay to be different and that there isn’t such thing as normal.