Diversity has become a critical part of the philosophy I have developed as an aspiring educator. Through various experiences in my life, I can appreciate how different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds can positively impact the educational experience of each student. Diversity in my opinion incorporates poverty, race, and equality for the ultimate goal of long term success in a student’s life. Regardless of race, socioeconomic status, and gender, each child should receive an opportunity to succeed and reach their potential. At my experience with Special Olympics floor hockey, all of the volunteers and coaches were exceptional in providing a quality environment for the participants. I was intrigued when I first arrived at St. Mary’s …show more content…
I spent time with a 3rd grade class for an entire semester. I felt a unique bond with all of the children in this class because I learned as much from them as they learned from me. This was a class who spoke spanish very well, and taught me some of the language. I learned about some of their cultures and traditions in the Spanish speaking world. They told me about a time when they travelled as a class to Costa Rica and all of the enjoyable activities they had while they were there. I also connected well with them in the Physical Education setting as they only received formal physical education once a week. I thought this fact was appalling, and I provided activities both indoors and outdoors. Since they were not used to moving very much during the day, their energy level was unmatched. In conclusion, this broadened my horizons and taught me that the educational process in multicultural education is about the relationships you can create with a child.
Diversity in the United States over the past twenty years has been a challenge for the federal government to pinpoint the racial trends in poverty. “An examination of the percentages from the children currently identified in groups of poverty showed that 14% of whites, 33% of blacks, 29% of Hispanics, 10% of Asians, and 17% of all children under the age of 18 live in poverty” (Bureau, 2006). This provides inconclusive evidence that one specific race is to target for poverty in children. David Cotter inferred that “since
Critical to our education today is the way in which diversity matters. In order to have a positive effect on student
I believe it is important to first analyze the word diversity when examining the need for diversity within a classroom. According to Webster's New Pocket Dictionary, diversity means variety, a number of different kinds. I often discuss and read about diversity in terms of cultural backgrounds; the unification of histories and stories from people from all over the world. Although, I believe that in a higher-educational setting, diversity can also be discussed as the acceptance of the various minds within a classroom. I believe that it is important to recognize the thoughts and experiences of others in a learning environment. Collectively, students learn from teachers, teachers learn from students, and students learn from their peers. By
Educators should critically examine their own values, beliefs, and attitudes related to difference in diversity because we as individuals all have different experiences, beliefs, values and attitudes that can be quite diverse. Staying mindful of this difference is essential in professional practice. For this to really be effective, you need to critically reflect on how your own life events have shaped your beliefs, values and attitudes. Educators must put all assumptions and bias’s aside and keep an open mind when dealing with these differences. For example, by reflecting on your background, you can become aware of biases and prejudices that may impact on your relationship with others from different backgrounds. Once identified, you can then
A conversation needs to be had regarding the effects of diversity. Diversity in practical terms is the inclusion of people from different walks of life whether it be color, race, or heritage. This topic is one that is sensitive for many people because of the history attached to this subject. In the past decade there has been instances where the supreme court has had to address the topic of “Diversity” to justify this ongoing debate. Like in the supreme court, college campuses have also discussed diversity in their college for a multitude of reasons. Additionally, they too have found many reoccurring problems relating to diversity, which will be addressed in this paper.
This course focuses on important to teach students about diversity to help them develop empathy for others. We will read about diversity and cultures to help students understand what diversity really means and how it applies to them. Diversity focuses on race, gender, ethnicity, and cultural and how it pertains to the classroom and everyday life. This course is here to enlighten students of the differences of others and how to be sensitive to everyone’s cultures and beliefs. Consists of developing positive relationships among diverse groups and individuals to fight stereotyping and promote unity (Bank & McGee, 2013).
This course included lessons in both written and oral communication to increase the understanding of student diversity. I participated in discussions on the issues of diversity that affect student learning from diverse groups. With the use of Ruby Payne’s book, A Framework for Understanding Poverty and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, I examined and reflected on the ethnic and economic diversity in schools and students.
Diversity is about recognising, valuing and taking account of people's different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and experiences, and encouraging and using those differences to create a productive and effective educational community and workforce.
The aims and objectives of this unit are to show an understanding of the role of Equality and Diversity in education I have chosen to research and write about those areas that are relevant and appropriate to the work that I am doing, in order to improve my teaching practice. This hopefully means that the skills I have learned pertaining to research around the subjects will help to fill in any gaps in my knowledge as I continue to develop professionally.
I learned that I will need to understand the issues facing my students inside and outside of the classroom. By having this understanding, I hope to be able to form real relationships with my students, make learning relevant to each student, and be able to provide the necessary support to make them successful learners. I want to be a resource and/or participant in my students’ life rather than just a spectator and/or teacher teaching about diversity. I realized that my previous perception would have left some students struggling in my classroom. I would have overlooked students’ needs if I only concentrated on teaching diversity in my classroom. I believe that this experience has made me grow as an educator and made me realize how I need to understand the complexities faced by my students in order for me to become successful in the classroom and to become an effective teacher.
there is too much that still needs to be done in the study of diversity. Dr. Marilyn states that those of diversity want to be included, not one of margins. I agree with the Dr. here, just like white or other races everyone wants to be thought of as being one, and belonging in any group. Dr. Marilyn states the importance of instructors and their willingness to stand toe to toe with their students for the unlimited possibilities to happen in the classroom. Dr. Marilyn says that we must pay attention to both diversity and inclusion for progress to be possible. Dr. Marilyn talks about the diversity wheel, she refers to this wheel as a cultural contact lens. This wheel shows diversity in many arenas, work, school, and in society. Dr. Marilyn believes
Diversity is an ongoing discussion in day-to-day life. Not many situations occur without diversity having a role. There are a multitude of topics that introduces or involves diversity, to include age, sex, race, gender, ethnicity and so on. Prior to participating in this Diversity Awareness class, I’ve always thought diversity was more geared around discrimination and racism. Through weekly readings and discussions, I have discovered that diversity is much broader than that. There are many countries that are mixed culturally
Although I have made many positive changes these last few years, there is always room for growth. I found this apparent, as I have witnessed outstanding role models through the university. There is simply no ending point or “final” destination, when it comes to growing and working on your own faults. Therefore, I hope to take what I have learned from my past and college, and be able to continue to find ways of dealing with diversity in a professional manner. Knowing this, it is both exciting and frightening experience, especially knowing the many situations that are to come. However, I hope that I can take each encounter, and be able to learn to become the best role model a teacher can be for each student. I hope that each student, no matter their background, can feel as if they are welcome and accepted into the classroom. I also believe that the university has made tremendous strides to make this possible, especially assigning us classes that directly deal with diversity. In opportunities of mentoring, volunteering, and observations, I have been able to experience early on what it means to be a role model, in a diverse setting. The topic of diversity and this method of currere are extremely important, not only for myself, but also the students of the future. To understand diversity, you have to understand yourself. It is not a simple
Our schools are full of a variety of children who are diverse in their own ways. What comes to mind when you hear the word diversity within schools? Many people think of race or culture, but diversity in our schools is more than that. Diversity can include race, religion, culture, and even learning styles in a classroom. In the past classrooms where not that diverse consisting of white protestant students. Currently diversity in classrooms is on the rise big time. Today’s classrooms are more effective in diversity, learning styles, and influences than past years.
Within the core of many educational institutions, diversity is a commercial tacit. While every institution cannot offer the same kind of diversity, the endorsement of such exists through various definitions. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges define diversity through the various classes: race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and age (“Statement on Diversity”)
Diversity in classrooms can open student’s minds to all the world has to offer. At times diversity and understanding of culture, deviant experiences and perspectives can be difficult to fulfill, but with appropriate strategies and resources, it can lead students gaining a high level of respect for those unlike them, preferably than a judgmental and prejudiced view.