Module 4 What do we think about disability and diversity?

MODULE 4 PRESENTATION

What do we think about disability and diversity?

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Why this module?

» People bring their own values and beliefs to their work» We’re not always aware how we think about people and

how these thoughts can affect our work as educators» It’s important to examine and articulate our beliefs and

assumptions about diversity, and how this impacts on relationships with students.

MODULE 4: What do we think about disability and diversity?

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Examining our beliefs

» All learners are active, capable and competent

» Recognising beliefs about disability can strengthen our work

» Thinking learners are capable, means more learning opportunities

» It may mean changes in our attitude, behaviour, ways of working.

MODULE 4: What do we think about disability and diversity?

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Getting to know students

» When we know our students well, we look past their disabilities.

How do I create opportunities for students to show me what they can and love to do?

MODULE 4: What do we think about disability and diversity?

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Having high expectations

» We model all students can succeed, regardless of background or disability.

» “Students who expect and are expected to succeed are more likely to succeed.” Ka Hikitia (MoE, 2013 p.38)

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High expectations

» If we have low expectations, we need to examine our beliefs.

What are my expectations for students with special education needs? If it’s less, why do I expect less? How can I show students I expect them to succeed?

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Valuing diversity

Diversity is about:» ethnicity» religion» sexuality» gender» first languages» disability.

“Students do better in education when what and how they learn builds on what is familiar to them, and reflects and positively reinforces where they come from, what they value and what they already know.”

Ka Hikitia (MoE, 2013, p.38)

MODULE 4: What do we think about disability and diversity?

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Valuing diversity

» Value difference as a strength

» Acknowledge that identity, language and culture count

» Students do better when learning builds on what they know.

How are students’ identity, language and culture reflected in the way I work with them? How do I connect with what they already know?

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Ako – everyone is a teacher and a learner

“Ako describes a teaching and learning relationship where the educator is also learning from the student in a two-way process.”

Ka Hikitia (MoE, 2013, p.16)

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Ako

» We can all learn from each other – teachers, teachers’ aides and students.

How can we learn from each other?How can we learn from our students?

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Next step?

Download the workbook for this module at: teachersandteachersaides.tki.org.nz/Our-students/Module-4

To find out more about Teachers and Teachers’ Aides Working Together and to access the other modules go to: teachersandteachersaides.tki.org.nz

MODULE 4: What do we think about disability and diversity?