Virtual Schoolbags Essay

Children from these less fortunate families struggle in school; many are lucky to even graduate from high school. Without college degrees, these children face limited

These lessons are not only vital in childhood but are needed throughout life. ‘‘Inclusion, multicultural, and non-sexist children’s literature also gives students in the "majority" an understanding of their "minority" peers struggles, triumphs, and contribution to our culture and society’’(Pirofski). Being exposed to people from different parts of the world or have special needs is very important in child development, hand in hand with them grasping new concepts. Children's literature gives students an understanding of what struggles and issues that goes in their society. This helps children know the full spectrum growing up and now growing up to be ignorant or misinformed of situations around them that are not hardcore taught in society.

One of the reasons I chose to the book Other People’s Children by Lisa Delpit was because I want to be aware of the stereotypes and prejudices this books might uncover that I had and didn’t know I has. Teaching in a DLI program there is big diversity in our school and community. I want to be able to be culturally competent and be able to eliminate my cultural assumptions. I want to be able to understand where my students are and families are coming from so I can adjust my teaching methods and strategies. I thought it was very interesting how in her introduction she talks about how the educational system in this country is more focused on the standardized tests, scripted lessons and mandated classroom management strategies that they seem

Gale indicates that a student 's social context can determine 70% of their level of success in education. Only the remaining 30% is determined by other factors such as the quality of teaching that they receive. He states that for some students, coming to school is like “entering a different world”. Therefore, teachers need to make a particular effort to help students from lower socio-economic backgrounds access the contents of their virtual schoolbag, and make use of their cultural capital. One way that a teacher can ensure that the cultural capital of all students is recognised, understood, and valued is by fostering a strong home-school connection with the families of all students (Ewing, 2013.

Through SPHE children can become aware of some of the prejudices and attitudes that impinge on the dignity of others. They are given opportunities to develop an understanding of their own culture and traditions, and equally to acquire a growing appreciation of the positive contributions made by different groups in society. As children learn to understand and practice equality, justice and fairness in school situations they will be enabled to challenge prejudice and discrimination as they experience it in their own lives, both now and in the future. Inclusion can be dealt with in an SPHE class by showing DVD’s highlighting the importance of accepting people for who they are. For example throughout the strand of Myself and the wider world, children can develop citizenship by creating a ‘we all fit in Jigsaw’ (see appendix A)

In John Gatto’s essay “Against School”, he insists that modern schooling is crippling our kids. “I had more than enough reason to think of our schools – with their long-term, cell-block-style, forced confinement of both students and teachers – as virtual factories of childness.” (para 4). The US adopted its educational system from Prussian culture and it led to a downward spiral of boredom and fear in children. Children are singled out, judged, and never taught to be a grown up and be independent.

The education level of the parent(s)/guardian(s), the development of educational identities and social capital all contribute to this choice. The development of educational identities is an important element in this process. An educational identity of an individual determines whether or not he or she values education as a valuable resource. The educational level of the parent can influence the viewpoint of this identity.

Generally the social structure in a community is split into a hierarchy, so all of the richer and “more successful” people are socially connected. Anyone coming from a financially stable family is more likely going to afford attending a very prestigious university or school as they are also on the higher side of the spectrum for tuition costs. Gladwell points out that having an insanely high IQ, amazing athletic skills, or savvy communication skills alone are not enough to make people successful because “no one – not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses – ever makes it alone” (Gladwell 115). Friends and family play a big role in each other’s life.

A child’s education is affected by various elements such as gender, race, environment, economic factors, privilege, and more. These elements shape the outcome of a student’s educational experience and learning. They also determine what and how students will learn. In order to create an appropriate learning environment, there should be a sense of community. In other words, the common goal should be helping students succeed and reach their maximum potential.

The family is well educated which provides better education to the children (Guryan, Hurst & Kearney, 2008). Both parents style of parenting is very authoritative as both parents, especially Mrs. Yau displays a high degree of nurturance In the family, both parents are noted to be in high SES as they both are well respected doctors and have a respectable background in the family history. Studies showed that high SES families can afford their children services, toys and goods, family outings and social connections which could benefit to the child, whereas low SES families could have lack of access to similar resources (Bradley and Crowyn, 2002). A study by DeGarmo and colleagues (1999) also found that income, education and occupation were associated with better parenting, which positively affected school achievement with skill-building activities and behavior in school. This can explain how Alexander has good behavior in class.

This particular type of capital can be perceived as having an impact on how the adolescent is treated e.g. bullying, teasing or people’s opinions of them. The Institutionalised state emphasises qualifications and education. Interpreted in a way that the more educated one is the more power they have. Middle class parents view education as an essential infrastructure for the adolescent’s success. ‘The existence of network of connections is not a natural given its constituted by an initial act of institution, represented in the case of family or group’ (Bourdieu, 1986).

Education is affected by social class; directly and indirectly. Looking at directly first we can see that individuals from higher social classes are more likely to have the resources to attend the elicit schools, and as a result have a better chance of receiving high exam results and continuing to third level. While indirectly, people who benefit from these higher educational opportunities are more likely to acquire the top jobs which in turn will result in the highest salaries. Thus education and social class closely connected and one impacts the other. This paper will explore how ones’ social class affects their educational experience and outcome particularly focusing on working-class students.

If a child grew up surrounded by a positive and encouraging home-life, it can be seen in their better test scores than children grew up in a negative environment. And of course a person’s access to school and educational materials while affect someone’s long-term intelligence (Genetic and Environmental Impacts,

Academic Summary of “Acting on Beliefs in Teacher Education for Cultural Diversity” By Gay (2010) The article “Acting on Beliefs in Teacher Education for Cultural Diversity” by Gay (2010), who is a Professor at University of Washington in Faculty of Education, focuses on educating teachers for cultural diversity in classroom environments, which is frequently discussed but not a well-developed topic. According to Gay (2010), the society we live in has a huge impact on our lives, although we try to ignore or minimize its effect on educational area. There is a huge Eurocentric emphasis in the educational setting that affect students from culturally, ethnically and racially diverse backgrounds, and because of this she thinks that some major changes

All students deserve to be treated fairly as individuals. When considering the diversity of the class members, we will celebrate the uniqueness that the differences contribute. Because I have high expectations that all my children can be successful, adjustments may be necessary because everyone is not the same (Burden, 2017, p. 115). It is vital that a spirit of understanding and edification is active amongst the students and from the teacher (Romans 14:19, King James Version) to produce fruits of mutual respect: reduced bias, positive academic outcomes, enhanced problem solving, and healthy group dynamics (Cousik, 2015, p. 54). For differences that stem from culture, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, the adjustments will involve bridging the cultural gap between the students’ diversity and the curriculum.