tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428841094562870191.post5353940617579485116..comments2018-05-07T02:39:54.788-04:00Comments on BC: International Student Teachers: Reflection on Equity and Social JusticeColleen Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08581702695782746285noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428841094562870191.post-17831602293225255762014-05-12T11:39:15.856-04:002014-05-12T11:39:15.856-04:00Hi Catherine,
Great post! As someone with extensi...Hi Catherine,<br /><br />Great post! As someone with extensive Irish roots, I was intrigued by your discussion on equity and social justice in Irish schools and to hear your thoughts. I am a tad disappointed (on a personal level) to say that I do not know much about Irish schools, so reading your post was enlightening on many levels. It is very interesting that there is a such a wide age range in your classroom, especially because you are teaching at a younger age level. Because I teach in the US at the secondary level, it is not uncommon (like in electives) to see students of different ages in the same classroom. But at 8 years old, a 10 year old is so differently physically, emotionally, and developmentally as a person and learner! It sounds like your CT is incredibly aware of this situation and seeks to address it daily in her preparation and goes through with that in her lessons. I think that's great that you have been able to have her as an example to follow in your own teaching.<br /><br />In regard to the lack of diversity in your classroom, I understand your issue, as I have experienced the same here in my Italian classroom. I study in Parma, which is actually an interesting city in terms of its demographics. It has around 180,000 residents, but around 15% identify as minorities, which is much higher than most places in Italy. However, I work at a private Catholic school, and unfortunately, the vast majority of students are not from various ethnicities. I have friends doing volunteer work at public schools, and they have commented there is a larger percentage of minority students in these schools.<br /><br />If you haven't finished already, best of luck with your finals and I hope your remaining time in Ireland is a blast!<br /><br />Kevin Kevin Holbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15165620864889337027noreply@blogger.com