Embracing Diversity in the Classroom

Maribeth Lawrence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTsl4D1PQ8I

Definition of Diversity  The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance

and respect. It means understanding that each individual is

unique, and recognizing our individual differences.  These can be along the dimensions of race,

ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. 

It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html

Iowa State UniversityLiberal Arts and Sciences"Diversity" means more than just

acknowledging and/or tolerating difference. Diversity is a set of conscious practices that involve:

Understanding and appreciating interdependence of humanity, cultures, and the natural environment.

Practicing mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from our own.

Understanding that diversity includes not only ways of being but also ways of knowing;

Recognizing that personal, cultural and institutionalized discrimination creates and sustains privileges for some while creating and sustaining disadvantages for others;

Building alliances across differences so that we can work together to eradicate all forms of discrimination.

http://www.las.iastate.edu/diversity/definition.shtml

Categories of Diversity Recognized by PA Dept. of Education

ESL – English as a Second LanguageExceptionalities – Students needing physical,

cognitive, or emotional assistance, having a speech and/or communication disorder, gifted or talented

Gender - classroom with both male and female

Race/Ethnicity – 20% or more non-white students

Socio-Economic Status – 20% or more students in school registered for free/reduced lunch

General StrategiesRecognize any biases or stereotypes you

may have absorbed.Treat each student as an individual, and

respect each student for who he or she is.

Rectify any language patterns or case examples that exclude or demean any groups.

Do your best to be sensitive to terminology.

Get a sense of how students feel about the cultural climate in your classroom. http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/

teachtip/diverse.htm

Ways to Integrate DiversityIntroductionsVideosClass DiscussionsMaterials for KeyboardingAny way you can think of to get the message across!

Videos

The Odd Couplehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBtFTF2ii7U

Challenge Dayhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqsd7RdGwQ

QuotesAnne Frank: We all live with the objective of being happy;

our lives are all different and yet the same.Lillian Hellman: Since when do you have to agree with people

to defend them from injustice?Robert A. Heinlein: One man's religion is another man's belly

laugh.Robert F. Kennedy: Ultimately, America's answer to the intolerant

man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.

References and Helpful Links

http://www.princeton.edu/~djbutler/ditclink.htm

http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/diverse.htm

http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/newsletter/2008/DIN_080708.htm

http://www.edweek.org/ew/topics/diversity/index.html

http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/teachdive/

ReferencesAssociated Students University of Oregon, Definition of

Diversity, University of Oregon, Retrieved March 11, 2009 Web site: http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definiton.html

Davis, B. G. (1999). Diversity And Complexity In The Classroom Considerations Of Race, Ethnicity, And Gender from Tools for Teaching. University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved March 11, 2009 Web site: http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/diverse.htm