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PART I. 3
ROLE OF THE TEACHER

Teachers of mathematics and science must inspire each student to achieve at high levels. As teachers recognize and acknowledge what students bring with them ­ their different cultures and their diverse and multiple ways of thinking and learning ­ they can implement strategies that will result in more active and beneficial experiences for all students.

Teacher­centered instruction shifts to learner­centered instruction, enabling teachers to act more as "facilitators" of mathematics and science learning. As facilitators of learning, teachers can provide new and varied experiences which students can use to build upon their own foundation of existing knowledge. Teachers must understand that students construct their own knowledge, how they construct that knowledge, and how each student recognizes and understands his or her own learning experiences. To support this process of learning, teachers must work at creating environments, implementing strategies, and selecting teaching and learning resources that will maximize learning for each student's unique learning abilities.

The goal is to create a "sensitive environment that is accepting of personal experiences and cultural influences while increasing the successful participation of under represented groups of science and mathematics learners" (Diversity: A Framework for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, Georgia Initiative in Mathematics and Science, December 1, 1994).

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