Self-Study of My Teaching in a Survey Course about Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners

• In Event: Tensions in Self-Study: Grappling with Boundaries, Relationships, & New Roles

Abstract

This self-study examines the teaching practice of a teacher educator researching her teaching in a 2-hour survey course entitled, Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in Classrooms. Data included journal writing, dialogue, course materials and meeting notes. Two research questions provided the focus for data and analysis:
(1) How do I engage with students in the matters of diverse student populations?
(2) How do I accomplish the intention of this survey course so that I can extend students’ dispositions, skills, and knowledge regarding students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and the intersectionalities that all students experience?
Results revealed two major themes: Balance and Identity. Balance included two subthemes: Tensions and Time.

Authors

• Amy H. Staples, University of Northern Iowa

• Deborah L. Tidwell, University of Northern Iowa