Post 6: Group Discussion Forum Reflection

•   What did you learn during our forum that you didn’t know before?

After reading the articles on poverty, I learned the difference between poverty and low-income families. From what I understand, those who live in low-income families are those who receive lower incomes and lack several resources. People who live in poverty also lack money and resources, but tend to prioritize their spendings differently from those who do not live in poverty. For example those who live in poverty might spend their money on unnecessary things before paying their electric bill or grocery bill.

            I also learned about racial differences in relation poverty and parental involvement. For example, White and Asian parents had the highest marriage rates and they had the highest levels of early achievement. I learned that Hispanic parents were least likely to provide stimulating materials and black parents were the least likely to be involved at school. This information helped me gain a better understanding of the different parental involvement and how it affects their children’s academic achievement. 

•  What would you have liked to learn more about?

I would have liked to learn more about how to address the needs of students who live in low-income families. The article I read about poverty and the transition from preschool to kindergarten mainly talked about the results found from the study. The article would have been more beneficial if it would have mentioned some strategies that former teachers have used to address the needs of students who come from low-income families and how we could close the gap as children move through the educational system.

•  How do you think the information presented in the forum will help you in your classroom?

            The article I presented helped me become more aware of all of the factors that tie in to poverty, parental involvement, and children’s academic achievement. I will use the results of this study to formulate ideas of how I can better involve parents in the classroom, as well as expose them to cognitively stimulating activities at home.

•  What could have been done to help you learn more, both by yourself, and the class as a whole (including the instructor)?

I could have learned more about the topic on poverty and how it’s addressed in a classroom setting if I would have asked more questions related to academic achievement in the classroom, parental involvement, educational resources available, and their views/thoughts on poverty. Unfortunately, there was a time constraint and I was not able to ask additional questions.