Diversity
What is Diversity?
"The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognizes our individual differences, which include the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment that helps all students internalize the importance of diversity. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual" (Fogg, 2007).
"Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it everyday."
- Unknown
"Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it everyday."
- Unknown
Diversity in the Classroom
What would our classes look like without diversity? Whether or not we all have the same skin color, each of us is different from one another. Diversity is what enables us to work well together and learn new things from each other every day. Here are some guidelines I plan to use to make my classroom diversity-friendly:
- Remember that my students are young adults. They are becoming adults. While their beliefs about things are still forming, together, we can work to internalize a positive believe in the goodness of diversity.
- While setting realistic guidelines is important, I must also share them with my students. One of the reasons I created this website is to explain to my students exactly what I expect from them. There should be no surprises when students enter my classroom each day.
- Be mindful of the pressures on students, some of whom have families, jobs, long commutes, or are new in America. I can learn from my diverse students just as much as the students can learn from one another. Students of diverse backgrounds may still be adjusting to their new lives in this country, so I must keep in mind that my students have other important things going on in their lives outside of school.
- Make sure students understand why the subject matter is worth learning, and explain how it relates to the real world. I do not intend to teach my students something that has no value - that would be a waste of time. Therefore, I intend to plan our class so that students can take what they learn and apply it to many areas of their lives. I do not want to focus on readings, writings, and studies from this country only. I plan to incorporate valuable lessons from different cultures that will benefit all students. Students may be asked to deliver a short lesson or presentation that pertains to their native country.
- Encourage students to give feedback on my teaching. When students come from different countries, they may have experienced different teaching methods. Because I want my students to get the most out of my classes, I want to hear what they think about the way I teach. If students struggle in my class, I will do what I can to adjust my teaching style to meet the needs of all of my students.
- Develop at least one assignment that requires each student to meet with you, one-on-one, at some point during the school year. By working individually with students, I will have a chance to get to know my students.
- Identify at least one quality I appreciate in each student, and keep it in mind every time I come into my classroom. The beauty of diversity allows me to find a wide array of qualities in my students, and I will enjoy the many different gifts that each of my students brings to the class.
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Fogg, P. (2007). A Dozen Teaching Tips for Diverse Classrooms. Chronicle of Higher Education, 54(9), B12. Print.
Gladstone, M. (1999). Definition of Diversity. Diversity. Retrieved April 13, 2012, from http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html