Diversity
Diversity
in the Classroom
As society becomes more and more diverse, so do our classrooms. As educators, it is imperative we address diversity in order to educate all students. Classroom diversity has positive effects on all students and teachers. Children need to be raised with awareness that everyone is not the same. In a diverse classroom, this happens.
By having a culturally diverse classroom, students are able to learn from each other. Instead of learning from just textbooks, students are able to share stories of their culture in order to enrich the learning experience. After all, children learn the most from each other.
As a teacher, it is important I resist bias in my classroom. I must have an open mind and be willing to use the diversity as life lessons and learning experiences not only for my students, but for myself. I must accept that these children show their knowledge in many different ways. Just because it is not what I expect, does not mean it is incorrect. Most importantly, I must understand these children have hardships. My classroom should be a place without worry for them. Below are ways I demonstrate diversity throughout my classroom.
· Allow students to use their native tongue to teach other students a second language
· Learn to pronounce all of the student names correctly
· Let them share experiences they feel comfortable sharing
· Provide materials in both English and Spanish for both students and parents
· Learn the learning styles of each of my students and accommodate my teaching to them
As society becomes more and more diverse, so do our classrooms. As educators, it is imperative we address diversity in order to educate all students. Classroom diversity has positive effects on all students and teachers. Children need to be raised with awareness that everyone is not the same. In a diverse classroom, this happens.
By having a culturally diverse classroom, students are able to learn from each other. Instead of learning from just textbooks, students are able to share stories of their culture in order to enrich the learning experience. After all, children learn the most from each other.
As a teacher, it is important I resist bias in my classroom. I must have an open mind and be willing to use the diversity as life lessons and learning experiences not only for my students, but for myself. I must accept that these children show their knowledge in many different ways. Just because it is not what I expect, does not mean it is incorrect. Most importantly, I must understand these children have hardships. My classroom should be a place without worry for them. Below are ways I demonstrate diversity throughout my classroom.
· Allow students to use their native tongue to teach other students a second language
· Learn to pronounce all of the student names correctly
· Let them share experiences they feel comfortable sharing
· Provide materials in both English and Spanish for both students and parents
· Learn the learning styles of each of my students and accommodate my teaching to them