Diversity in the Middle School Essay - 1890 Words

Middle school learners are perhaps the most diverse group of students in education today. The differences that exist in every classroom, including gender, socio-economic class, linguistic and cultural background, learning style, and intellectual capacity, is increased by individual differences in developmental level. While all middle school students will progress through different developmental levels and display the characteristics inherent in each, they will reach and conquer these developmental milestones at difference times. Because of this difference in developmental maturity, students may also be at their most vulnerable, as they progress through stages they don’t understand and can’t control. Due to these significant†¦show more content†¦Due to psychological changes, they will struggle with inferiority and will tend to be critical of differences in others. Because of this they must be taught the value of diversity, and the need to respect others. Th ey are also searching for an identity. Education is responsible to help them achieve an ethical perception of themselves. They will experience a developing understanding of existential questions and instances of injustice. Students must be given opportunities to do morally acceptable things and ask and answer moral questions. It is essential that they grow to view themselves as â€Å"good people of high moral standing.† (Erb, p. 110) Socially, their emotions may be erratic, ranging in moods of an extreme high to deepest despair, all within the same class period. They want to find significance and meaning, and will look to adults to show the way. However, they need to develop their own independence. Appropriate Learning Instructional Strategies Teachers must hold high expectations for all of their students and recognize that all learners seek challenge, purpose, and affirmation. Students naturally want to learn and teachers must expect them to respond with investment, persistence, an opportunity to display their accomplishments and personal reflection. (Woolfolk, 2011). Teachers must connect new content with the knowledge scaffolding a student already possesses, in a way that encourages focused and engaged learning. To engage studentsShow MoreRelatedThe Basis Of Our Concept For Security Comes From Our Experience Here At St. Michael s College869 Words   |  4 Pagesteachers and students have the means to unlock certain areas of the school. The idea’s inspiration was the lock systems in place in dormitories here at SMC. By contrast, our visit to Hunt Middle School showed the advantages and shortcomings of simply keeping all doors unlocked at the start of the day and locked during the rest. In this school, guests were required to sign in at the main office, but they were able to enter the school freely if they went while students arrived. 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