During my first semester of the Integrated Cohort Program, I had the opportunity to take EDUC 364. A class designed to open ones eyes about the world around him or her, and possibly change preconceived ideas that may hinder equitable instruction in the future. At the beginning of the class, we were asked to write a paper on our own personal history. The lesson allowed me to realize that although I had previously thought I was unbiased about the world around me, in reality, at the time I did harbor some negative feelings toward other people. Through the course of the class, my eyes were opened to many other ideas about the world around me. I learned that to be truly equitable in teaching, one has to be culturally competent about one’s self, the students she teaches, and the world around her. After taking this class, I am certain that I will provide a positive learning atmosphere for all of my students in future classrooms.
To provide fair treatment for all students in the classroom, teachers must know each student individually, and instruct with those differences in mind. As such, many teachers often know about the special needs students and target instruction for them as needed. However, G.A.T.E. (gifted and talented education) students frequently do not receive appropriate instruction that taps into their advanced cognitive abilities. Teachers need to be aware of these students, and provide instruction that allows them opportunities to creatively work at their individual academic levels. During my university education, I had the opportunity to create a classroom that provided all students equal opportunities to learn. The lesson demonstrated to me the importance of providing a classroom that creates a positive learning atmosphere for all students, and allows each student the opportunity to learn at his or her individual academic level.