In the past two weeks in my English classes, creating a connection between reading comprehension texts and the students’ world views and traditions is fundamental for engaging them and providing them with the opportunity to celebrate their diversity, identity and religion. When practicing a reading comprehension text like “Fake or Artificial Meat”, for instance, many students find it hard to visualize this whole new concept of artificial meat. This stems from the fact that in my students’ community, eating meat can be considered Halal and a typical food. 

The sense of awareness was developed in a sequence of events: First, exposure to the reading comprehension text itself (+ visuals). Second, students were requested to write an assignment on the following topic: “Imagine there are protests in your village against using Halal meat claiming that your community must use artificial meat as an alternative.” Students are encouraged to bring supporting ideas based on religion and traditions that can foster their claims. Third, they are asked to reflect on the issue of who they are compared with other communities in the world (thinking of similarities/ differences). Finally, students have a class Model United Nations in which they are dealing with this topic –artificial meat versus real meat (Halal)- trying to reach out a shared conclusion at the end. 

Student: I learn best by lying on the floor at home with my books. Later I need someone who asks me about the stuff.

Q: Has it always been like that or did you discover it at some point?

Student: First I tried it like in school – sitting at table and everything. But one day the table was full with stuff of my family so I sat down on the floor and enjoyed it very much. Since then I study like that.

Q: Is there a special way you learn when you lie or sit on the floor at home?

Student: I start to read, sometimes I paint something on a paper to get it better, and later my mother or my brother ask me question abou it.

Q: Do you like to learn like that? Are there things you would like to change or improve? 

Student: It’s okay for me….. I am not a big fan of learning you know… But I like it more on the floor or sometimes in bed. I think I could learn better if I could stay or sit on the floor in school too.

1-      How do you best learn? What strategies makes learning easier for you?

I learn best when I speak the ideas out loud and combine words with visuals. This strategy helps me retrieve information and learn faster.

 

2-      Is this strategy still good for you?

 Yes it is. I have been combining it with other strategies as well like coming up with concrete examples for abstract ideas.

 

3-      What subjects are easier for you to grasp? Why?

Scientific subjects. Those subjects where you have to experiment and bring up theories and then back them up with practical evidences. They are easier because I enjoy them.

 

4-      Are you an independent learner? How did this affect your learning process?

 I wasn't at first an independent learner until I was taught by my teachers some strategies that helped along the way. Now, whenever I am presented with a new material I honestly don't wait. I do my research and watch videos to understand and learn more. Being independent, fed my curiosity. It made my learning become easier.

 

5-      What things in the learning process would you like to change?

If I am to change something, it would be the time given for us to research. Students process information differently, and they need to be guided and taught about the different strategies they can use and feel comfortable with.