Module 2

Chapter four touches base with some very important components, and especially when it comes to learning disabilities involved in educational settings. How would an educator explain a student who is unable to accurately read, write, speak, spell, and learn? What if that same student does not have an intellectual disability, emotional problem, educational disadvantage and have normal hearing, vision, and language capabilities? Learning disability would be the diagnosis for a student with these features but this term has no clear-cut definition (p. 140). One definition is “a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, that may lead into an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or perform mathematics” (p. 140). Genetics play a major role in students obtaining a learning disability because if parents have a learning disability then their children will have 30-50% chance of obtaining one (p. 141). Mothers who are exposed to toxins, smoke, drink alcohol, or have poor nutrition may lead to having a child with a learning disability. I believe it is important to mention these statistics and definitions because I feel that it is important for a child with a learning disability to receive special care and educational opportunities. Many of these students with early onset learning disabilities become victims to “learned helplessness” which is when the student does not understand why they struggle and become hopeless. I believe it is important to use certain strategies and immediate feedback procedures in order to help these students in a great way. They need more attention and assistance which will help them experience a proper learning situation.

I have always wondered how it would be to come to live in America as an immigrant from a different country. In 2010, it was recorded that 12% of people living in the U.S. were born in a different country (p. 190). There are many English learning students that face challenges to try and learn the language in America and connect with other students. I would feel like an alien if everyone around me spoke one language that I did not fully understand. Language and culture for immigrant students are different and this will be something experienced in many educational settings. It will be important to be open to diversity in a classroom and try to learn new cultures by doing research; especially when a student speaks differently. There may be english learners who have disabilities which means there will be many challenges for both the student and educator. Sheltered instruction and being patient with the progress to which the student will learn is very important. It is important to remain patient and positive towards the student while providing attention. Sometimes these students need more attention and help which will be something to keep in mind and assess when the time comes.

Culture plays a major role in an educational setting. Culture is considered to be a program of living which involves the knowledge, skills, rules, traditions, beliefs, and values that guide behavior in a group of people (p. 211). Each student has their own personal culture to which they are a part of. Cultures are defined in terms of geographic, nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, social class, and religion. Cultures can influence behavior and ideas for students. Social classes can influence a student's life dramatically. Social class reflects a group's prestige and power in society. Sociologists use the term SES for variations in wealth, power, control over resources, and prestige. SES can affect the performance of a student. Higher SES show higher academic achievement levels. Lower SES can lead into lower academic achievement levels. It is important to teach and believe in a student living under any level of SES because usually lower SES students are expected to achieve at lower levels. Students with low SES also are prone to learned helplessness, low self-esteem, and low expectations. I believe that it is important to properly care for and help any student no matter what social class they belong to. This is why I strongly support the Outlook Academy which provides low SES students with amazing opportunities and aid.