In communities that are very diverse, teachers need to have an understanding of the different races, backgrounds and cultures in the community. By appreciating the community, teachers will have a better understanding of student backgrounds. Also by being involved in day camps or neighborhood centers, teachers may gain insight into student strengths. Observing interactions with families and friends in community settings can help teachers develop ideas about how students learn.
The best way to learn how to do something is to work with others who have been successful at what you are trying to do. By watching a successful teacher teach in a diverse classroom, you can gain insight on how to interact with students and how different students learn in different ways.
Culturally responsive teaching involves teaching each student the importance of her own culture. In this type of teaching students not only learn about their own culture, but in diverse locations they learn about other students' cultures as well. When students learn about themselves and their cultural background they may develop a sense of pride in their learning.
Many students from diverse backgrounds do not speak English as a first language. Although it is imperative that the students are able to understand and learn proper English, many teachers will be able to communicate with students through a second language. Teachers are often role models to students, and if the teacher speaks a second language it will show students the importance of learning both languages. Additionally, when teachers understand how hard it is to learn a second language, they understand the need to be patient with children learning a new language. Students relate to people who are like them, and may be more likely to learn from and respect teachers they perceive as similar to themselves. Teachers who speak both English and another language will garner respect from bilingual students.