User:Cskulastu

Diversity in the classroom enriches not only the students, but the teacher as well. In order for this to happen a teacher must find ways to bring diversity into the classroom. If a class does not have the privilege of experiencing diversity within their class a teacher may incorporate diversity into the classroom. For instance, when the students are working on "lessons involving world explorers, teachers should include a project researching African, Mexican, Indian, and Norwegian explorers in addition to the typical lessons on Spanish, English, and Portuguese world explorers" (Jones, 2005). Another positive way students can learn about diversity is by allowing the teacher to “select textbooks and supplemental books that reflect culture, gender, and diversity within the world. Books should include children of different cultures, religions, disabilities, socioeconomic levels, gender preferences, and race” (Jones 2005). However, if a class is fortunate to have diversity present in the classroom students will have the advantage of interacting with different children of different backgrounds all at one time. While there maybe different diversities together in one class the teacher should always remember in the back of their mind that “language and culture of different ethnic groups is unique, and educators should respond to that uniqueness with mutual respect. Hesitancy by children to speak out, follow directions, or model other students, for example, may stem from a lack of understanding or a conflict with cultural values” (Bae & Clark, 2005). This also applies beyond the classroom. When a teacher would like to go the extra mile for a student and needs to contact a student’s legal guardian, but knows the family is not culturally diverse enough to understand the material being present then the teacher may try to “send important messages to parents using the parents' native language or English at an appropriate reading level” (Bae & Clark, 2005). One way teachers would be able to achieve a child’s lack of understanding would be by staying “attentive to their students and aware of each student's interests, learning styles and struggles” (Judson & Perez, 2007).

References: Jones, T. (2005). Incorporate Diversity Into Your Classroom. Intervention in School & Clinic, 41(1), 9-12. http://search.ebscohost.com

Perez, L., & Judson, J. (2007). Respecting the Traditions of Our Families: Cultural Reference as Academic Motivation for Diverse Learners. Black History Bulletin, 70(1), 20-25. http://search.ebscohost.com

Sung Jik, B., & Clark, G. (2005). Incorporate Diversity Awareness in the Classroom: What Teachers Can Do. Intervention in School & Clinic, 41(1), 49-51. http://search.ebscohost.com