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Private: Teaching Reading: 3-5 Workshop

Analyze the Video | Teaching Diverse Learners

Watch the video, "Teaching Diverse Learners," taking notes as you watch. After you watch, jot down your answers to the questions below. If you prefer to watch the video in segments, pause the video when you see the next chapter heading.

Video Summary

In “Teaching Diverse Learners,” Dorothy Strickland addresses the range of diversity in classrooms, including differences in language, culture, ability, interests, background knowledge, and approach to learning. Professor Strickland also discusses the importance of teachers understanding the backgrounds of their students in order to plan effective instruction. As you watch the video, consider the following questions:

  • Why should teachers know about the diverse backgrounds of their students?
  • What kinds of instruction help teachers address the range of student needs?
  • How can teachers put it all together?

Why should teachers know about the diverse backgrounds of their students?

In the first video segment, Professor Strickland addresses the importance of teachers understanding the backgrounds of their students in order to plan effective instruction. (If you are watching the video in segments, you will find this image at the beginning of the video.)

  • How can teachers build on the background knowledge and experiences of their students when planning literacy instruction?
  • What are the pitfalls of assigning characteristics to a certain group of people?
  • How can you foster respect for the cultures and diversity of your students?

What kinds of instruction help teachers address the range of student needs?

In this segment, Professor Strickland discusses multilevel instruction and scaffolding instruction. (If you are watching the video in segments, you will find this image approximately 11 minutes into the video.)

  • What does it mean to “scaffold” instruction?
  • How can teachers effectively use scaffolding strategies to create multilevel instruction?
  • In what areas can you provide multilevel instruction in your classroom?
  • What choices can you allow your students to make during reading and writing?

How can teachers put it all together?

In the final video segment, Professor Strickland suggests that teachers provide a wide range of ways students can pursue learning in their classrooms. (If you are watching the video in segments, you will find this image approximately 22 minutes into the video.)

  • Based on Professor Strickland’s explanations and examples, evaluate your own practices. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the differentiated instruction you currently provide?
  • What changes might you make? How might you incorporate Professor Strickland’s examples into your own practices?

Series Directory

Private: Teaching Reading: 3-5 Workshop

Credits

Produced by WGBH Educational Foundation. 2006.
  • Closed Captioning
  • ISBN: 1-57680-815-7

Workshops