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
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