Learning Log Sept. 15, 2008

What?

Today we talked about group differences. We discussed Cultural and Ethnic differences, Multicultural classrooms, and Gender differences. There was also a group presentation on Gender differences and stereotypes.

So What?

This is very important in today's classrooms. The classrooms around the nation are becoming more and more diverse, as a teacher I need to be aware of these students and learn the best way I can interact with them and their families. I need to be aware of different customs so I know what is considered respectful and disrespectful in the cultures of my students. I also need to be aware of how I treat both boys and girls and make a consciesce effort to treat them equally.

Now What?

With this information I will learn about the cultures that are most prominate in this area. I will take the knowledge I gain and use it to make these students feel comfortable in my classroom. I will also make sure that I don't assume or delegate certain jobs or responsibilities to the boys or girls in my class. I will help them to know that they can do and achieve what ever they dream.

Intelligence Tests

The IQ test was very interesting. Some of the questions I didn't understand, like the pattern questions were there wasn't any real noticiable pattern. I have never taken an IQ test before and so I had no idea what to expect or where I might rank. I was also really worried about not finishing in time so I went through the test extremely quickly so I could finish. I would be very cautious about using these with children, because I wouldn't want a child to achieve less then they were able, just because of a number from an IQ test. I think it is a fun thing and I really don't put much stock in them.

The Intelligence test was really fun. I've taken them before and was already aware of what categories I am strong in. I liked the way this test was given, I liked how thy made the answers relateable to me, rather than just agree to disagree. I also really liked how the results graph was displayed after the test. I ranked very high in Musical, Visual/Spatical, and Logical. For the following categories they were all very close I ranked the lowest in Linguistics. For the most part they are all very close, so I guess that means I'm pretty well rounded. I would love to use this in my classroom. I feel it would be very benificial for myself and my students. If I know what their strengths are, I can better cater my lessons to each of my students. I can also explain things in a way they are more likely to understand. As a students it would be good to know how they learn so they can adjust their study habits accordingly.