Students from diverse backgrounds

Secondary school students

What does it mean to be a learner from a diverse background and what do students from diverse backgrounds need from their teachers?

The term ‘learners from a diverse background’, embraces students who are linguistically and culturally diverse. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who come to school speaking a language other than English (that is, from communities where English is not the usual language of communication) are often the most at risk.

A learner from a diverse background needs to feel that teachers understand their life experiences and care about their success.

References

Barnhardt, R 2005, Creating a Place for Indigenous Knowledge in Education, The Alaska Native Knowledge Network, viewed 29 August 2016, <http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/curriculum/articles/raybarnhardt/pbe_ankn_chapter.html>.