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Listen to my interview with the American Modeling Teachers Association:
Highlights from the conversation:[19:23] Dr. Mina Bhagdev: “…if we can overcome challenges and get things wrong and not be afraid to make mistakes, we can learn more from our mistakes than we can from doing everything right, which is where the rich discourse for modeling really comes in.” [26:36] Dr. Mina Bhagdev: “And so if you have created the safe space where you have invested in each kid, and amongst kids invested time and building those relationships, building trust among students, but also between the students and yourselves, that safe space is a place where students can happily make mistakes. It’s a safe space where students can explore their understanding without worrying about being judged. It’s a safe space where students might even voice their concerns about things that they’re experiencing outside of your classroom.” [40:18] Dr. Mina Bhagdev: “for teachers to remember that everything you do and say sends a message, whether it’s implicit or whether it is explicit and to be really cognizant of that and to be very, very intentional…”
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Equity is about asking questions that dig at the heart of why our students are not finding success in class. We can do this by building relationships with them and by respecting their circumstances and their experiences. Students who trust their teachers will give honest answers to questions that we have not thought about asking.
Here is a quick example of Equity in Action that took place on our campus: Teacher: Hey, we need to talk about your grade Student: I know, I had a good grade, then it went down so fast. I was absent Teacher: Okay, let’s talk about it in detail later in the lesson Later in lesson: Teacher: So, about your grade, how come you have not been to do your test corrections? Student: I can’t come after school for tutoring or for test corrections Teacher: Okay. We can work something else out Student: (clearly feeling bad) I have to go on the bus because when I get off the bus it’s just in time to pick up my sister. Teacher: Okay, no problem, let’s see what the problem is with your grade and make a plan. Student: (still feeling bad) My sister is in Kindergarten, so I can’t tell her to go home by herself. Teacher: Absolutely correct! Your parents and your sister clearly depend on you. So, see me at the end of class, it will give me time to think so we can make a plan. Okay? Student: Thank you. Teacher: No problem! We will get your grade up, don’t stress :o) Equity is about helping students feel comfortable enough in their own skin so that they can show up as themselves. We can do this on our campus by building relationships with them and by celebrating them and their lives and experiences.
Here is a quick example of Equity in Action that a teacher shared today: Teacher: Wow! You look amazing today! Student: Thank you! Teacher: Is today a special occasion? Are you celebrating something? Student: Yes! Today is Mexican Independence day - we celebrate it today and tomorrow. (9/15 & 9/16). Teacher: That's awesome! Student: I am not sure why Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but today is when Mexicans celebrate Independence. Teacher: So, what do the celebrations look like? Student: We celebrate for two days. We have lots of food, lots of different food. Teacher: What type of food? Student: On Saturday, my family will make Tamales, it is a lot of work to make them! Can I bring you some? Teacher: Yes please!! I love Tamales! Can I take a picture of you and share this conversation with the staff at Hamilton? Student: Yes, sure Teacher: Thank you! |
AuthorOpportunities arise everyday to to create a safe and inclusive environment in which every student can thrive. ArchivesCategories |
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