Diversity, Learning Style and Culture by Pat Burke Guild

Read: Diversity Article, write abstract/reflection (2 paragraghs, 6 to 8 sentences in each paragraph, single space) and bring a digital copy to class.

Abstract
This article discusses the varies ways students learn and the varies ways teachers teach. Guild suggests that teachers must be most concerned with students' individual cultural background and specific and/or multiple learning styles, insisting that just knowing your students' learning style is not enough. Four styles are discussed in depth–cognition, conceptualization, affect and behavior. Public school systems seemed to have mainstreamed all learning types into a program that puts most students at a disadvantage. Students with non-Caucasian heritages are the most at risk in a mainstreamed instructional plan. The idea of nature vs. nurture is briefly talked about.

Reflection
After reading this article, and the chapter on Diversity from our textbook, I'm almost convinced that culture has such a large impact on education. I think that this article did a really crappy job of defining what a student's culture really is. Guild was mainly focused on race and ethnicity, which is only a small part of one's culture. I would love to get to know my students in a more meaningful way; I'm tired of the run-of-the-mill "getting to know you" index card. I think the best (and easiest) way to incorporate this in the classroom would be student-led lessons. They know their culture more than I do, they should be the teacher. In theory it sounds wonderful, but the reality is a bit more unrealistic.