Do we need a culturally diverse class? I do believe strongly that it is very essential that colleges should have a culturally diverse class. College should offer these classes considering that culturally diverse class will enhance students’ knowledge of various cultures that are significant to history. These classes that involve learning about cultures are imperative, especially to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These classes are important to have considering it teaches rich history, gives knowledge of culture, and helps students realize the significance of their culture. In today’s times learning about the rich culture of various places is crucial. This will give students the opportunity to learn about the rich history these places has to offer. It will allow individuals to broaden their horizon with more knowledge about different places. It will also show students that there are more places and things to see and learn about other than what colleges and universities are restricting students to see and learn about. Also, these classes will expand student minds on how rich their cultures are. It will display what students never knew about their culture. Culturally diverse classes will allow individuals to explore the option of learning more about their rich history and other culture history as well. Within colleges and universities, having a culturally diverse class will enlighten students on the history of their culture. If students was aware and
Many institutions questioned how they were going to provide class necessities and administrators for the newly added courses. These concerns arose when they wondered what kind of controversy will be created from having the classes and what exactly students will benefit from the teachings of ethnic studies. Hu-Dehart stated in her article, “The relationship between ethnic studies programs and traditional academic departments becomes unmanageable because it raises issues of turf protection, competition for scarce resources, and racism on the part of traditional scholars.” At first, the fight for ethnic studies seemed as simple as a three step process: add the class, find teachers, and find students interested in the course. However, many other factors contributed to the establishment of ethnic studies courses. As listed above, these issues complicate the ease of creating a multicultural academic course. Another thing to consider was that not all students agreed to have an ethnic studies course. According to Hu-Dehart, “Traditional scholars find it difficult to shake off their preconceptions about the illegitimacy and inferiority of ethnic studies programs and, by extension, ethnic studies scholars.” Although the importance of an ethnic studies course does not resonate with all student body, being aware of the opinions that are roused is just as important. There may not always be an agreeing audience but it is possible to open the minds of college students by exposing them to multicultural
Multicultural education is the key to incorporating ethnic and racial identities in the classroom. I believe implementing a culturally responsive curriculum would work best for the students. I would like to be a future educator who acknowledges and welcome my students’ diversity in the classroom. It is important to bring cultural awareness to the classroom and school environment. I want my students to know that I respect, acknowledge and care about their differences. I would model this behavior because I want the students to do the same for each other. The steps I would take incorporate a positive, trusting and healthy learning environment are:
1.3 It is very important to be aware of the importance of valuing and promoting cultural diversity. Most schools will activley include a number of strategies to
In a world that is becoming increasingly dynamic and interconnected where each of us are becoming more dependent on each other, diversity is a crucial element of life. Never in human history have students had available to them the
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
Even if the colleges are achieving their goals to get a diverse student body to the campuses, they fail to get those groups to interact. In the article “The Lie About College Diversity,” Bruni’s interpretation on diversity explains that common college diversity programs are categorizing students together with similar backgrounds. Only a number of programs accept students to interact with fellow diversity students with different cultures, backgrounds or ethnic groups. These programs do not motivate students to reach out and share their thoughts with other groups because they could get rejected. By learning other points of view and having diversity in the learning environment, it also helps individuals communicate better. It also opens minds to ideas and concepts they might not have considered and provide them with
2. “Including ethnic and cultural diversity content in the curriculum” Seek out and use only factually based information on different cultural traits. “This is needed to make schooling more interesting and stimulating for, representative of, and responsive to ethnically diverse students,” and this is a teacher’s ultimate goal in being culturally
The United States of America is a perfect example of cultural diversity. Starting with the Mayflower landing in Massachusetts Bay in 1620, to the Great Migration from 1915 to 1930, to the continual immigration into our country today this country has seen its culture grow and reshape itself over the years. The culture of the United States is diverse but understanding and appreciating various cultures does not always exist within today’s classroom or in today’s society. Understanding or even defining cultural diversity , identifying the challenges cultural diversity brings, or how to face cultural diversity are all issues educators face in today’s classroom.
The key to a diverse education is a diverse student body. Today, more and more of the
In educational institutions they ignore certain students by being unaware of students’ funds of knowledge and their truth depth of knowledge. (Rios-Aguilar 164) Students have a wide understanding over a range of topics, but schools maintain a deficit perception of culture when it does not adhere to the dominant education system. If we were to bridge funds of knowledge and capital we would have the potential to have a better insight into students’ opportunities and experience in educational institutions. (Rios-Aguilar 163) Wolfram et a. clarifies how essential it is for students to attend a school that acknowledge distinct cultures and backgrounds, “When schools do not systematically accommodate different language varieties, some group of students do less well in the gate-keeping activates that determine program access, placement, and progress (Wolfram et a. 87) Program (such as AVID, honors, etc.) may have an essential role in college acceptance. Schools should allocate their resources and funding towards equipping teachers with imperative skills and knowledge to teach students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Some of the qualities of a superior teacher are being academically prepared, knowledgeable about the subject they are teaching, and hold an interest in students’ needs. Having a good teacher is essential to a student’s success. (Watanabe
The world is filled different cultures, races and ethnicities, and it is crucial that our higher education institutions reflect this diversity. Representation matters. We are a country filled with diverse cultures all of which whom need to be represented. The purpose of this literature review is to explain why and how diversity in a higher education setting is important. Students learn better in such an environment and are better prepared to become active participants in our pluralistic, democratic society once they leave school Diversity is not only important among the student population but also within college curriculum. It is an important issue regardless of the setting. However, when it is applied it to a place where people come to learn,
I believe this will enhance classroom discussions, and ensure that multiple viewpoints are incorporated into learning. This will provide a more holistic view of issue and ensure that the learning is well rounded. Outside of the classroom diversity is important because I am Black.
It is my hypothesis that diverse backgrounds have a great effect on the ability for a student to learn. I am not suggesting that a student from one background is less likely to learn than the student from a completely different background. I do predict that if educators do not take to heart the diverse backgrounds of their students at both the lower and upper levels of education than the student will suffer in one degree or another.
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.
The supporting side also believes that multiculturalism in education is an essential part of college. Studies have found that appreciation for diversity is lacking on college campuses. Evidence shows that among the growing tensions on college campuses, “multiculturalism