Today there are two questions:
1. Can you recall a lesson in which culturally or linguistically diverse learners were part of the classroom? How did these students participate in the class? How did the teacher respond? Were modifications made for these students? If so, describe the nature of those modifications. Do you have a diverse population of students in the class in which you are presently observing? What type of modifications are being made for those students?
2. Are you finding that you are receiving helpful guidance from your cooperating teachers and your university supervisor? What suggestions have they made that have been particularly helpful? What actions have they taken that have been particularly helpful?
Every class I teach includes culturally or linguistically diverse students. I currently have a student who speaks no English at all. Last year I had a Ukrainian student, a Filipino student, and a Turkish student who spoke Arabic and Schweitzerdeutsch. I get to know them with direct communication, even if we have to use Google translate to make it happen. In science classes, I emphasize labs for them, so that they can participate and learn by doing. In history, English, Psychology, Philosophy and other humanities classes, I draw them in with art, music, stories, and acting. Technology exists which allows them to read my speech translated into their language, which helps. I also let them present, participate etc at the level they are able, but also let them present in their language if needed, at which point I use my own translation devices - although I am able to understand a lot of the Spanish, some of the Arabic, a few words of Tagalog, and I am fluent in German and am able to manage Schweitzerdeutsch. The key for me is to be flexible, to think outside of the box, to come up with creative ways of including the students with the abilities that they have. For example, bringing some aspect of their native culture into the class, or adapting to their lack of English by allowing them to do different types of projects (eg, a visual presentation).
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