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Promoting diversity is a goal shared by many in American colleges and universities, but actually
achieving this goal in the day-to-day classroom is often hard to do. The goal of this teaching module is to highlight a few of the key challenges and concerns in promoting diversity, and illustrate ways to incorporate an understanding of diversity in the classroom and beyond. Diversity is a term that can have many different meanings depending on context. This module will not offer a comprehensive definition of the term, instead, this module will
highlight two key areas related to diversity: Much discussion about diversity focuses on the following forms of marginalization: race, class, gender, and sexual orientation — and rightfully so, given the importance of these forms of difference. In fact, students come to the university classroom with different
backgrounds, sets of experiences, cultural contexts, and world views. Additionally, issues of diversity play a role in how students and teachers view the importance of the classroom and what should happen there. For example, assumptions about what a typical student should know, the resources they have and their prior knowledge are extremely important. Students may perceive that they do not “belong” in the classroom setting — a feeling that can lead to decreased participation,
feelings of inadequacy, and other distractions. Teachers may make flawed assumptions of students’ capabilities or assume a uniform standard of student performance. Teachers may themselves feel out of place based on their own ascriptive traits (i.e. differences based on class, privilege, etc.). Identifying and thinking through notions of difference and how they affect the classroom allow both students and teachers to see the classroom as an inclusive place. Practical Tips for Promoting an Inclusive ClassroomWhile many discussions concerning diversity focus on talking about the importance of diversity and recognizing difference, it is equally important to move to the next step: incorporating specific tips for addressing differences and how they play out. One way to form strategies for promoting an inclusive classroom is to use self-reflection and think of potential classroom scenarios and how one might address them. The solutions to such scenarios are ones that each teacher should consider for him- or herself, since there are no immediate right or wrong answers. Canadian classrooms are getting more and more diverse every year, so it is important for teachers to keep up with their students and provide them with resources and learning opportunities that foster safe, open, and diverse learning environments. Scholar's Choice strives to include products, toys, and resources that make all Canadians feel represented and included in the classroom and the home. Read on for suggestions from our experts on how you can continue to make your classroom an inclusive space for all students. 1. Include images of people that represent different ethnicities, shapes, sizes, abilities, and clothing in your handouts, activities, posters, and games. It is important to include resources that feature a diverse cast of people, regardless of unit of study. In the past, "diversity" was included in the curriculum as a unit of study, but experts agree that it is important for classrooms to reflect the varied people of the world every day, rather than at a certain time of year. Scholar's Choice has puzzles, posters, books, toys, and resources that ensure people of all cultures and abilities are represented in your classroom.2. Invite guest speakers into your classroom Guest speakers can be a great way to learn about different people in your community. Many schools have a list of speakers that have a partnership with your school division, and many Canadian schools have an Elder in Residence program. Utilize these resources! 3. Include classroom signs in multiple languages Many teachers have a poster or sign that outlines how to say "Welcome" or "Hello" in different languages, but why not extend that idea to other areas of your classroom? Include other languages on your hall passes, your exit signs, and your calendars. Let your practice evolve and grow over the years to include languages from students past and present. If you have a student who speaks Cantonese this year, and one who speaks Cree next year, leave each language on the wall. Pretty soon you will have a classroom full of language. It will be fun to introduce the phrases to each class, and ask for others to be added. 4. Create global pen pal friendships There are many resources out there that connect classrooms all over the world, and pen pals is a fabulous way to practice writing skills and meet new people. Let your students decide which country they would like to communicate with! Here are two resources for pen pal programs to get you started: https://www.penpalschools.com/ http://connectingcountries.net/our-work/pen-pal-program/ 5. Take field trips to cultural events in your community Museum tours, cultural centers, and historic sites are all great ways to show students a wide variety of people and places. Ask parents at the start of the year whether they have any field trip suggestions, you may be surprised what is unearthed when you look to your school community! This link provides a list of programs about deepening knowledge of Aboriginal education: http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/deepeningknowledge/Teacher_Resources/Field_Trip_Recommendations.html 6. Encourage students to talk about the problems they see in their school and in the media Having open, honest discussion is important for children to learn about viewpoints different than their own. Create a list of prejudices they have recently witnessed and discuss them as a group. Extend their learning by creating resources about these prejudices, and share them with the school or community. 7. Always keep learning! As a teacher it is your responsibility to your students to continue your journey in education as well as encouraging theirs. Here is a Diversity Toolkit from the University of Calgary that provides many great tools for both teachers and students to make their classroom a safe place for all people. Have any thoughts or ideas? Reach out to us via Facebook or Instagram! More Reading: http://blog.nfb.ca/blog/2015/04/29/5-tips-cultural-diversity-school/ https://www.ictinc.ca/17-ways-to-promote-culturally-aware-classrooms https://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-lynch-edd/promoting-respect-for-cul_b_1187683.html diversity What are some diversity examples?Here are some examples of internal diversity:. Ethnicity.. National origin.. Sexual orientation.. Cultural identity.. Assigned sex.. Gender identity.. What is diversity inside the classroom?What is diversity in the classroom? Diversity is everything that makes people different from each other. This includes many different factors: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ability, age, religious belief, or political conviction.
What are the five 5 factors that bring about student diversity in the classroom?Diversity in K-12 Classrooms. Diversity recognizes the differences between people and includes different factors, such as religion, political orientation, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, and family structure.
What are the 5 ways to include different cultures in your classroom?Bringing cultural diversity into the classroom is becoming increasingly important.. Build a background. ... . Highlight similarities. ... . Share a Story. ... . Use culturally diverse reading materials.. |
