Example Of Synthesis Of Readings Essay

Essentially, the readings underline the importance or significance of standardized testing in schools as well as in other learning institutions. According to the essays, most states are incorporating the use of standardized testing results to make crucial decisions affecting individual students. Some of the main vocabularies used in the essays include racism, ethnocentrism, classism, sexism, and anti-Semitism. Specifically, these terms describe discrimination based on gender, class, religion, and race. Furthermore, the term linguiscism is also used in the essays extensively to refer to discrimination based on language (Menken, 2008).
All the readings suggest that being from a different culture can have far-reaching effects on a leaner’s overall classroom performance. For example, leaners coming from a different nation can have some challenges adjusting or acclimatizing to a different classroom environment because concepts or facts taught in their countries may be relatively different form the ones taught in classrooms in the U.S. In some cases, English is not their first language; therefore, they take some time to learn and understand some of the concepts and ideas taught in English. Subsequently, teachers should learn to accommodate such students. Even though it is not realistic and practical for teachers to take time away from classrooms to attend to students individually, they should understand the diverse learning styles of ELL and ESL students. Therefore, they should employ relevant teaching strategies based on the learning styles (Menken, 2008).
Chapter six examines the use of language and cultural identity to facilitate leaning for English Language Learners. This chapter suggests that teachers should focus on embracing and respecting their learner’s cultures by encouraging them to share details about tire languages and cultures in the classrooms. This chapter also suggests that schools should organize professional workshops to teach teachers how to deal and work with language minority leaners. On the other hand, chapter seven maintains that students from culturally diverse backgrounds can achieve academic success if the structures of schools are reformed. For example, schools should strive to recognize diverse student identities (Menken, 2008).

Reference

Menken, K. (2008). English learners left behind: Standardized testing as language policy. New York: Multilingual Matters Press.