The Diversity in “Diverse” | Origin: ED137
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Cultural Diversity: Including Every Student --> The Diversity in "Diverse"
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
In my classroom, I present both enriching opportunities and complex challenges, particularly around inclusion. I have observed that while some students prefer not to be identified by their cultural background—expressing a desire to "just fit in"—others are more eager to share and highlight their cultural identities. Acknowledging that each student brings unique perspectives, values, and lived experiences, I try to create a classroom culture centered on academic excellence while also incorporating cultural inclusivity in meaningful ways. For example, we explore the value of diverse perspectives in engineering design of new devices or community decision-making, such as ensuring representation when testing a city’s water supply.
It is important to plan your lesson with a variety of learning activities to allow for different learning styles and information retention. It is also important to not have pre-assumptions of a particular race or gender and because that will hinder their learning experience. Everyone has a particular life-long experience that will influence how they learn and process information. As leaders we must try our best to have a standard way of teaching information that doesn't allow for discrimination but rather encouragement, enlightenment and tailoring our teaching strategies to accommodate the needs of our students. This will help foster an environment of proactive learning and information retention.
My key take away is being creative in my approach of lesson planning to consider multiple ways to present content to accomodate larger swaths of students.
I have learned to be more self-reflective and look internal bias that can stunt my ability to effectively teach a widely diverse student population
In the context of exploring the concept of "diverse" in diversity, there are several key takeaways that can be applied in an educational setting:
Understanding Diversity: Diversity encompasses a wide range of characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, and ability. Recognizing the richness of these differences is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment.
Culturally Responsive Teaching: Incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum can enhance student engagement and learning. This means adapting teaching practices to reflect the cultural backgrounds of students, which can lead to a more relatable and effective educational experience.
Promoting Equity: It's important to not only acknowledge diversity but also to actively promote equity. This includes providing all students with access to resources and opportunities, and addressing any systemic barriers that may exist in the educational system.
Creating an Inclusive Environment: Building a classroom culture that values and respects diversity encourages students to share their unique experiences. This can be achieved through collaborative activities, discussions, and by celebrating various cultural events.
Reflective Practice: Continuously reflecting on one's own biases and assumptions is vital in understanding the implications of diversity. This can help educators to adjust their practices and create a more inclusive learning environment.
Application in Practice:
Curriculum Development: I will strive to include materials and resources that represent diverse cultures and perspectives, ensuring that all students can see themselves reflected in what they learn.
Student Engagement: I plan to implement group projects that encourage students to share their backgrounds and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Professional Development: Engaging in training and workshops on diversity and inclusion will be a priority for my professional growth, enabling me to better support my students. Feedback Mechanisms: I will create avenues for students to provide feedback on their learning experiences, helping me to understand their needs and adjust my teaching methods accordingly.
By embracing these principles, I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
I have learned that each individual thoughts are important as well as their preceptions.
I learned to use and model inclusive language. Lessons should be flexible because every learner is different.
I’ve learned that students are as diverse as their learning methods. I intend to use my new knowledge in helping my students find their way to a better education.
For educators, embracing diversity offers an opportunity to innovate and adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. It can help educators develop more inclusive lesson plans, create supportive classroom environments, and foster a deeper sense of belonging for every student.
Knowing each student will help me create a learning environment for all students.
In order to teach a group you need to look at an individual's schema to better understand how they are best able to learn and understand.
In this current learning environment one must be careful that we don't box students into certain populations and expectations. We must create an environment for learning for all.
Working with a diverse student body requires looking pass a person's age, cultural background, religious beliefs, and other factors to support their education goals. Embracing that each student should be seen as unique and valued is important to ensure inclusion.
Comment on Amber Walters's post: Comment on Melissa Goldberg's post: Comment on Melissa Goldberg's post: I completely agree. It has been a big struggle for me to avoid saying " you guys".
The students are in a group as well as being individuals and most importantly each one is different. I will not tolerate negative or gender related joking of any type. I must set and maintain the example in and outside the classroom because the same students my see me in the community. I would also like to positively impact the students for life.
I have learned that every individual has different needs in order for them to learn effectively. it is important to learn what their needs are and not assume based on their ethnicity, gender, or even possible religious background because this can lead to worse outcomes for the individual in addition to compromising the comfortability of the student to be confident and succeed.
You must be aware that while many students may self identify in the same culture, does not mean every student of that culture have the same opinions. Celebrate and utilize the uniqueness of each student in your course.
Learned to embrace the multilingual student. Would then try and figure out how to incorporate the use of giving students a sense of confidence in embracing it
Remember that each student is an individual.
