Building on Student Diversity

Profiles and Activities

"This book works to give teachers a tool for understanding how to examine their teaching methods and refine those methods to maximize student learning...Galton is a well known researcher...and he has valuable insights into tailoring teaching methods in ways to meet specific learning goals. This book is recommended for all elementary teachers looking for ways to maximize learning in their classroom."                                                 —EDUCATION LIBRARIES

"Building on Student Diversity can be used in various ways: as a core text, depending on the objectives of the class; or as a supplement to other texts used in pedagogy, multicultural, or special needs courses."                                                                 —KAPPA DELTA PI RECORD

"This book makes a significant and timely contribution to the field of multicultural education and teacher education. The author's use of the personal lives of children, from multiple dimensions: psychological, physiological, and cultural, makes this text a valuable learning tool."

—Denise Blum, California State University Fresno

"This book presents scenarios that are real in today's American public school classrooms. It prepares teachers to work with diverse student learners in ways that are meaningful and academically beneficial."

—Miroslava B. Vargas, Texas A&M International University

This unique text captures the profiles and cumulative records of six diverse students at early childhood, middle childhood, and then high school level. Intended for the preservice teacher, Building on Student Diversity: Profiles and Activities illustrates how to create a caring school environment; accommodate for special learning needs in instructional and assessments; and interact with families and communities.

Key Features:

• Provides teachers with an understanding of children's backgrounds and abilities: Six diverse profiles portray a student as gifted, learning disabled, physically disabled, AD/HD, homosexual, or an English Language Learner.
• Includes an insightful tool for understanding students and their learning challenges: The cumulative folder for each profile captures records of their grades, medical records, results of standardized tests and state assessments, parent-school communications and student work.
• Offers applied, hands-on activities linked to the profiles: A variety of instruction strategies, including reflective journaling, group discussions, role playing, and preparation of letters, posters, and other products of communication are suggested.

Intended Audience:

This text is designed for all students in teaching methods courses both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also an excellent supplemental text for courses on Classroom Management, Multicultural Education, Special Education, or Diversity.