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DOMAIN 3
Diversity of Learners
Domain 3 of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) emphasizes the central role of teachers in establishing learning environments that are responsive to learner diversity. This Domain underscores the importance of teachers’ knowledge and understanding of, as well as respect for, learners’ diverse characteristics and experiences as inputs to the planning and design of learning opportunities. It encourages the celebration of diversity in the classrooms and the need for teaching practices that are differentiated to encourage all learners to be successful citizens in a changing local and global environment, from DepEd Order 42, s. 2017.
INTRODUCTION
The classroom is the best place to educate students on diversity. Diversity of learners means recognizing the uniqueness of students in their own ways including differences in reading level, athletic ability, cultural background, personality, and religious beliefs, among others. When students learn about others’ perspectives, and experiences, teachers can facilitate productive conversation and embrace teachable moments to help promote personal growth in each student despite diversity.
As future teachers, having diverse learners is in fact a challenge, particularly on addressing each students’ situation. An educator thus, should have a full understanding of other races, ethnicities, or cultures plus mindsets and perspectives. Having a diverse classroom and having quality conversations about diversity can support mindfulness and tolerance in just any about student. Good teachers, however, know the teaching is more than just preparing students to become well-rounded and educated adults despite diversity and differences.
Teachers continuously strive to mold and shape their students into the best of themselves, prepared to take on the world with understanding, empathy, and love.
Encouraging children to talk about and embrace diversity from a young age fosters characteristic, and allow students to be more successful in life, one who is kind to others and respectful of people’s differences.
If a child can’t learn in the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.
Ignacio Estrada
Activity 3, “Distinctness of a Learner in a Diverse Classroom” centers on creating an educational setting where students feel loved, respected, and valued. To begin discussing the diversity that exists within today's classrooms, we must acknowledge that each student brings unique backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs. It is crucial for teachers to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment that responds to the complex universe of nuances encompassing diversity. This goes beyond differences in race, ethnicity, and cultural background.
This activity recognizes and celebrates these differences. We should all know that diversity fosters a sense of belonging. When students see their own identities and experiences reflected in the classroom, they feel a sense of being in the right place and acceptance. This creates a positive emotional climate, improves self-esteem, and motivates students to actively participate in their learning.
Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way.
George Evans
Ms. Olivia L. Morente
TEACHER III
GRADE 9
Observation Report on Domain 3 - Distinctness of a Learner in a Diverse Classroom
I noticed the diversity of learners as I was observing their individual differences; the learners' individual differences reflect the diverse aspects of their identities, including gender, racial, physical aspects, culture, diversity of interests, and other identities. Students possess different strengths, weaknesses, skills, capabilities, and interests when it comes to learning. Based on my observations, the students grouped themselves based on their common interests and gender, as most of the groups or circles of friends in the classroom are made up of either boys or girls. The learners easily learn how to collaborate with each other. Despite the diversity, the presence of positive relationships among learners is still evident just by how learners socially interact with one another inside and outside of the classroom. The learners exhibit different behaviors in class. Before the class begins, the students are still noisy and busy working on their own interests, but not until the teacher walks in front and starts talking. Most of the learners pay attention to the teacher, especially those who are seated in front, while there are some students at the back that are still talking with their seatmates, doing projects unrelated to the current subject, and even using their cellphones. The teacher obviously calls out the students behind who are not paying attention. And even though the discussion has already started, students who are late continue to arrive. Some students greeted their teacher and classmates, while some did not. All the students ask for permission from the teacher when they are going outside. During the class discussion, I observed that students who actively participated in class were those who listened and focused while the teacher was speaking. Most of these students are those who are seated in front and are really able to see and listen to the teacher. Those who did not pay attention must have also participated as they saw their classmates enjoying sharing their knowledge of the activity. It catches their interest, which motivates them to participate. Apparently, there are both active and passive learners in the classroom. Students who are engaged and participating in the discussion or activity have been shown to be active learners. These students ask the teacher questions to get a better comprehension of the topic. On the other hand, passive learners always tend to wait to learn. In order to balance the learning interaction between active and passive learners, the teacher promotes group engagement by adopting interactive learning. The teacher employs a strategy that gives students more opportunities to participate in order to get more responses from the class. Students have the option of responding individually and collaboratively. With this approach, the teacher can assist a variety of learners in learning because they are all capable of learning together.
In the future, I want my students to interact in a classroom where they can openly express themselves. I would like to create an environment where students feel free to voice their ideas and beliefs. In spite of their differences, I want them to feel that the classroom is a place for them where they can interact without the feeling of being different and threatened. It will be a classroom that aims to help students grow while building positive connections with each other. I will teach them the essence of interaction as I believe that it contributes to one's own self-growth and development.
In the future, how would you want the learners in your classroom to interact? How will you, make it happen?
Nurturing Brilliance: A Glimpse into the Teaching Excellence of Ms. Olivia L. Morente
Creating a Safe Haven for Learning: Group 5's Commitment to Embracing Diversity in Classroom in Activity 3
In a hyperconnected world, looking in any direction leads us to encounter diverse richness. The classroom is no exception. Our learners differ in terms of gender, culture, learning styles, modes of thinking, physical limitations or possibilities, disabilities, specific needs, and unique talents. Embracing diversity in the classroom holds an immense value for your students as it creates an inclusive environment where they feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Remember that the impact of an inclusive classroom goes beyond academic achievements, as it means preparing our students to thrive in a diverse world. By embracing diversity, teachers and the educational community leading the learning processes, as well as families, can enhance the classroom experience and equip our students with the necessary skills and understanding to succeed in an interconnected and multicultural society. What are you waiting for?
GROUP 5 VIDEO PRESENTATION
ADVENTURE AWAITS, WISDOM GROWS. OUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE!
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