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Module 7. Student Diversity

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45 views

Module 7. Student Diversity

Uploaded by

jelmerpadawag
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 7 Student Diversity

Individual Differences
Competencies 1. Identify the different factors that bring about diversity in the
classroom
2. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards diversity as an enriching
element in the learning environment
3. Come up with teaching strategies that consider student diversity

Discussion
How to Bring Diversity in The Classroom

Broadly speaking, diversity refers to a state in which there are many


different forms present. This could be in terms of people, ideas,
preferences, styles, etc. In a classroom setting, diversity can present
itself in a number of different ways: multicultural students, different
learning styles, distinct personalities, etc. The teacher is tasked with
encouraging and maintaining that diversity. This is one of the many
ways in which classroom settings are the perfect place for students to
learn invaluable lessons.

Understanding Diversity

Diversity encompasses the many differences present in human beings.


It is a term that may hold different meanings for different people, and
one which has numerous applications. In today’s schools, many
different elements of diversity present themselves. These include race,
socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, etc.

In order to ensure that each student in the classroom is gaining the


maximum benefit, teachers have to understand and treat each student
as a unique individual. Doing so is the first step in fostering diversity in
the classroom.
Why is diversity in the classroom important?

Each student in a classroom brings something new and distinct to the


table, including world views, backgrounds, experiences, cultural
contexts, preferences, dislikes, personalities, etc.

Making sure each student feels like they belong in the classroom is
essential in order to maximize the effectiveness of the learning process.
If a student doesn’t feel like they belong, or that they aren’t valued for
who they are, they’re less likely to have any interest in being involved
in the class. Teachers will notice decreased participation, low self-
esteem, short attention spans, and general feelings of detachment from
students who are struggling to feel included.

Teachers can’t afford to treat every student in the class the same.
Uniform standards don’t apply when there is necessarily a lot of
diversity in the classroom. Therefore teachers should really think about
how to make the classroom as inclusive as possible.

How to Bring Diversity into Classroom Settings

Since diversity is something that needs to be fostered in the classroom,


here are a few tips that teachers should keep in mind:

1. Understand your students

One of the best ways to foster an inclusive environment in the


classroom is by understanding each individual student. Take the time to
understand the strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, and learning
styles of the students in your classroom.

As a teacher, this level of engagement with the students shows that you
have a vested interest in their success. Always remember that all
students learn differently, so by taking the time to understand each
student, you’ll also make the teaching process easier on you.

2. Incorporate different teaching styles

As mentioned, each student learns in different ways. Some students


may be more visual than others, while some students may be more
hands-on in terms of learning. By incorporating different teaching styles
to accommodate different ways of learning, not only do you ensure that
each student is learning the material effectively, you also broaden
students’ abilities.

If students who typically learn better in one specific way are constantly
exposed to a variety of different learning methods they may become
inclined to try different approaches to learning. This will help them to
push their limits and really step outside of their comfort zones.

3. Equal Access to Opportunities

Make sure each student has an equal chance to participate and


contribute to what’s going on in the classroom. If you notice that some
students aren’t contributing as much as others, it’s best to find a way to
get them more involved.

It might be helpful to introduce activities, lesson plans, and projects


which mandate everyone’s participation.

4. Celebrate diversity

Diversity is something which should be talked about and celebrated.


The easiest way to bring diversity into the classroom is by recognizing it
and encouraging students to celebrate it.

In one classroom alone there is a tremendous amount of diversity


present. Take the opportunity to allow students to share their diversity
with their peers. This allows others to benefit from the experiences that
they otherwise never have known or heard of.

5. Encourage Differing Perspectives

In the classroom, there will be ample opportunities for students to come


together to solve problems. Another great way to bring diversity into
the classroom is to encourage students to come up with different ways
to solve the problems that they are faced with. Encouraging different
ways to solve problems allows students to come together and
collectively contribute a variety of solutions.

This practice also teaches students the invaluable lesson that there is
often no one correct way to do things. If students are encouraged to
contribute different solutions to a problem, not only will participation
increase in the whole class, but students will also feel as if their input is
valuable. They’ll then be encouraged to challenge themselves to come
up with solutions.

6. Include diverse learning materials

Wherever it is possible, teachers should try to include teaching material


which represents the rich diversity of the world. For instance, include
material which represents multiple viewpoints and perspectives. Think
critically about material which touches upon things like nationality, race,
political views, backgrounds, different languages, abilities, personalities,
sexuality, age, current affairs, socio-economic matters, etc.
Including diverse learning material is a sure shot way to bring diversity
into the four walls of a classroom. In a short space of time you can
expose students to an unimaginable variety of different things.

Fostering diversity is incredibly important, and one of the best places to


begin doing that is the classroom. There are numerous ways to bring
greater variety into the classroom; teachers must take the initiative
to take every step to bring diversity into the classroom.

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