As a beginning teacher, you discover that your first class consists of students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds

Question

Drawing on the discussion of teaching strategies in Chapter 8, describe at least four different instructional strategies that are likely to be effective in your class. For each strategy, present a rationale as to why it is apt to be effective for your diverse group of students.

Answer 1

Responses are likely to go in a variety of directions; however, all strategies should be consistent with principles and strategies presented in Chapter 8. A response should include at least four strategies, with a rationale accompanying each one. Some possibilities include these:
• Relate topics in expository instruction to students' unique background knowledge.
• Use direct instruction, mastery learning, peer tutoring, or CBI to facilitate mastery of basic skills and/or allow students to learn at their own pace.
• Allow several seconds of wait time after asking questions to encourage a more diverse group of students to respond.
• Assign authentic activities that relate school subject matter with tasks that are relevant to students' own lives.
• Conduct class discussions as a way of soliciting diverse perspectives.
• Assign cooperative learning activities to accommodate students' desire for cooperation rather than competition and/or to promote cross-group friendships.