Student Differences

All students are different. Each and every student learns in a different way. This can cause both excitement and frustration in the classroom. So, as a future teacher how do I expect to encounter differences among the students I will be working with?

Although I have not yet obtained my teaching degree, I have been working with children for the past three years at the Waukesha YMCA, and now the City of Waukesha Park and Rec department’s before and after school program. I have already encountered many different types of students. I have had students who are living in low income housing, with one or both parents working during all hours of the day. I have had students who are very fortunate in what they have, and also students who have a plethora of different disabilities trying to maintain a normal life at school.

I see it on a daily basis, so how will I plan for individual and cultural differences between students?

As mentioned above, I have already faced many challenges with the students that I work with daily. Differences in Socioeconomic status is one thing that I will run into. Woolfolk (2014), describes socioeconomic status as: “Relative standing in the society based on income, power, background, and prestige”. This is shown in the classroom in many ways. For example, Student A wears very clean, “new looking” clothes, always well rested, and fed while student B wears older clothes that are not as clean, and comes to school looking tired, and malnourished. Obviously, there are differences between them, and it most likely has to do with their socioeconomic status. It was said that the students who live in a lower income household will act more reserved, and quiet. This could be due to less encouragement, and support at home. This type of issue could cause resilient students. I feel that getting to know each student on a personal level as best as you can. Also using scaffolding will help all students learn. It is important to plan for differences so that we can see all of our students succeed.

I cannot wait to become an educator and create amazing students. I found a great video on YouTube about all different learners. Enjoy!!

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