Gap solution 3: Teachers

Gap solution 3: Teachers

Focus more on the teaching, less on the gap

I would really like to see this gap disappear. I think things are improving because schools are better trained in helping bilingual students (at least those who speak Spanish). When I become a teacher, I will not focus on the gap. I will just simply teach the material. I hope to instill in them that they can do it, just like everybody told me that I could. I am no better than anyone else. If I can do it, anybody can!—Eldon Clark February 20, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

Teach in groups

I think the key is to teach in groups. It is very effective, and they love it. Putting a bunch of Anglos in a group often lends to competition, but Hispanics are very communal and work very cooperatively in groups. I am not saying that lecture should not be used for Hispanics, nor that group work should not be used for Anglos, but that Hispanics lend themselves to group work more. —Eldon Clark February 20, 2008, DCI 4322-60

Cooperate with parents

I think it is important as a teacher to have close contact with the students' parents so that you can work together as a team in the education of their child. —Eldon Clark February 20, 2008, DCI 4322-60

Set high expectations for students

All of those factors have to do with our culture I think. That's why it is important for us as future teacher to let out students know of all the opportunities, possibilities, and help there is out there for them to get a higher education. I think that for every Hispanic that goes to college or university the smaller the gap gets because they are going to expect better things from their children and there children from their children and so on. Expectations is key, I think.—Mina, February 28, 2008, DCI 4322-60

Provide special help for second-language learners

As educators, we must be sensitive to this fact (language barrier) and give extra help to students who struggle with English. Some think that helping a student in his/her native language will prevent him/her from learning English, or at least slow it down. While there might be some truth to that, I think academics should take a priority. The language will improve in time…—Eldon Clark, February 20, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

To read more on Closing the Achievement Gap:

Greetings from the editor
Closing the Achievement Gap: Introduction
Gap reason 1: Historical perspective
Gap reason 2: Cultural perspective
Gap reason 3: Economical perspective
Gap reason 4: Linguistic perspective
Gap reason 5: Educational perspective
Gap solution 1: Individual
Gap solution 2: Parental support
Gap solution 3: Teachers