In a perfect world as an educator my purpose is to learn about my student’s different learning styles so that during my lessons I can help each of them. Give each and everyone the time to build rapport and develop their own uniqueness. I should create or have interactive activities to develop their understanding of the world around us. I need to continuously scaffold their learning through and accepting, welcoming and culture rich atmosphere. Accept every child with what he/she already brings and discover the path they need to continuously grow. I must have confidence that my lessons will help them all succeed at least a year’s worth and hopefully pass the State’s standardized tests. If my lessons aren’t helping everyone I must differentiate depending on the student’s needs.   Our learning environment has to be full of mindfulness, peace, and tranquility so that they learn to be good citizens in a not so perfect world. 

When they do go into the world their education should show that they are global citizens capable of working with different personalities, able to solve problems, knowledgeable in technology, science, languages and mathematics.

The purpose of education for students is to support and mold them into lifelong learners. Encouraging students to become problem solvers, creative thinkers, culturally aware, innovators and fully using their potential can be accomplished by developing a positive learning environment. The ideology of using one method does not exist. There should be opportunities for differentiation, enrichment and ongoing support to continue monitoring students' progress.  It takes setting achievable expectations and guidance to allow students to enhance their abilities by accepting the qualities they have and bring into the classroom. In the article, “The Culturally Responsive Teacher” It shared many great points on the importance of culture and language. These two components play a significant role in becoming aware of the world our students live in. As educators we need to see beyond our own lives but look through the experience of our students. It is clear that it is imperative that as teachers we create those safe learning spaces that will continue to encourage students to achieve their goals and dreams. 

 

In saying that, my ideal leaning environment begins with society because what is happening/happens in the classroom is the effect of larger systemic issues at work. Therefore, my ideal learning environment is one in which there is no numeric values. An environment where there is no weight on assignments or GPA because students begin to value their self and intelligence off an assessment number. I also believe teachers gain biases about students based on students’ previous grades instead of each student coming to their class with a clean slate. In my opinion, this is another division aspect that leads to comparison and “access”. There still needs to be some way to assess where individuals are but that should be done through individual assessments in which each student meets with a group of staff members (teachers, administrators, etc.)- a group as opposed to one person to remove ill motives or biases- and students must be checked off on understanding of topics. At the classroom level this looks like students getting a check off on an assignment or more practice. The ideal classroom is one that is culturally relevant, adaptable, and intentional in efforts to grow and move against the grain of tradition. It is an environment in which learning and students are the focus not a feature. It is a place where servitude and selflessness take place, the perspective is not dominance but dynamic, it is a place changed by perspective that reflects a multicultural classroom and learning. It is not operated on the basis of hierarchy or numeric value, but equal to all students because outside the four walls of a school and behind “student” is a person. Associating oneself with numeric value starts early and the purpose of education is for the individual student to gain knowledge, not gain at the cost of being stripped. My ideal learning environment is an environment changed from the inside out. As a society we promote and partake in this by preparing students for what is to come by viewing education as something that can take place in the workplace and implementing multiculturalism in such places. I believe, if this change only happens in schools, then it will stop there and perpetuate the notion that learning only takes place in academic settings. 

 

As an educator, do you believe there might be a bias concerning a student’s score/grade? Of course, using a student’s score/grade can help educators see where a student might have difficulty understanding a concept, but it shouldn’t be the only way to measure their success. Doctor (2019) mentioned considering a student’s rate of improvement, their level of effort, and how engaged in classroom activities as a few methods to evaluate a student besides grades.

Reference:

Doctor, T. (2019). How to Evaluate Students Without Using Grades. Tutor Doctor. https://www.tutordoctor.com/blog/2019/december/how-to-evaluate-students-without-using-grades/