Why is diversity in the classroom important?
An atmosphere in the classroom that teaches children about diversity and inclusion is one that teaches them to interact in a society where every individual is unique.
How can we bring diversity in the classroom?
- Get to know your students
Some tips for getting to know students include having students introduce themselves to the class, and posing open discussions in class so that students can reflect on topics in class. Setting dedicated time for students and their families is also a great way to get to know students personally.
- Promote equal access to opportunities
Promoting equity in the classroom begins with understanding the students and families. If students are in need of technology and internet access, teachers can provide opportunities to complete assignments before or after class. They can also advocate for more resources in the classroom.
- Be accepting of different perspectives
Teachers should be kind, respectful, and accepting of students despite their background, beliefs, and customs. These include food, traditional wear, & rituals.
- Celebrate diversity
A few ways to celebrate diversity in the classroom might include celebrating occasions, inviting international exchange students to the class, allowing students to create cultural projects, or allowing students to show and tell something from their culture. This can teach students to appreciate cultural differences and help students overcome stereotypes.
- Involve parents
Parents from different cultures may be new to the education system in the U.S. so that’s why it’s important to educate families on the necessary steps they need to take to track their child’s academic progress.
- Implement various teaching styles
Every student has their own learning style. In a diverse classroom, teachers should be encouraged to use different learning strategies. These strategies might include project-based learning, textbook, peer-to-peer, video-based or blended learning (which includes a little bit of each). The main benefits of using technology in the classroom include enhancing collaboration, critical thinking, and engagement. Technology can provide diverse opportunities in the classroom to make a seemingly boring topic, fun!
In addition to implementing various teaching styles, culturally relevant teaching which focuses on the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and socio-economic status has been proven to increase cultural competence at an early age.
Here is what Ms. Joseph, fifth-grade elementary school teacher in Wake County has to say:
Julie: How do you promote diversity in the classroom?
Ms. Joseph:
“I firmly believe that getting to know your students on an individual basis is key in incorporating diversity in the classroom. With my students, I allow them to share personal stories, make daily connections with lessons and see the importance of why we all need to be culturally aware; not just inside the classroom but also in the real world.
I make sure no kind of discrimination takes place in my classroom. And if anything does occur, I address it immediately and make sure no one ever feels ostracized. When you teach kids to respect each other from the very beginning, regardless of age, race, gender, social class, academic level or skin color, it will resonate with them for the rest of their lives.”
Here is what seventh-grader, Jason, has to depict about diversity in the classroom:
Julie: Draw me a picture of what diversity means to you.
Jason: “Diversity is one of the most important things in school…Isaac reported the teacher and she was fired.”
Julie: Woah. This shows how diversity and cultural sensitivity is a crucial topic that needs to be integrated into the classroom not only for students but teachers as well.
References:
“How to Bring Diversity in The Classroom.” Excite Education, http://www.excite.com/education/blog/how-to-bring-diversity-in-the-classroom. Accessed 20 Oct. 2019.
“How Teachers Can Provide Equal Learning in a World of Unequal Access – EdSurge News.” EdSurge, 13 Apr. 2016, https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-04-13-how-teachers-can-provide-equal-learning-in-a-world-of-unequal-access.
