A model plan
A plan for our model essay might look like this.
1. INTRODUCTION
Position statement:
Understanding social and cultural contexts is necessary because it has a radical influence on effective teaching and it creates respect for students’ identity.
Preview of arguments:
Constructivist nature of learning and problems affecting students who are not from mainstream society or culture.
Necessity of staff understanding their own social and cultural contexts.
2. BODY
Arguments (points to be elaborated):
1. Constructed nature of learning and related student difficulties
constructed nature of learning
difficulties caused by social and cultural differences in classroom
social and cultural construction of literacy
social and cultural construction of maths and computing
government policy concerning social and cultural contexts in classrooms
2. Staff understanding of their own contexts
staff unlearning old assumptions
ideological and political nature of education
examples of staff prejudice
understanding the contexts from which staff come can create improvements to the education system which benefit all.
3. CONCLUSION
Restatement of position:
An understanding of these contexts creates an environment where students can feel secure in their identity and learn effectively.
Overview: Understanding these contexts creates an ‘ethic of caring’ which can benefit the whole society.
