Entry #4

I have observed dual existence on several occasions. I think as Educators, this is something we see quite often, especially at the beginning of the school year. At this time, students are most comfortable sitting by other children that look and talk like they do. Not because they want to remain segregated, but because they're nervous and they may not know anyone. As an ESL teacher, I have gone into some of my students regular ed classrooms, where all the ESL students were grouped together and the students who did not receive ESL were together. When I noticed this, I was absolutely appalled. When there is "dual existence" in a classroom setting, teachers need to do everything they can to diffuse the situation. Incorporate group projects and group the students together, by not allowing the students to choose their own groups cuts down on dual existence. Providing the class with ice breaker activities also allows the students to get to know each other and work with one another. The most important thing a teacher can establish in the classroom is a sense of community. When every student in the class fee;s apart of the environment dual existence should not be an issue!