Diversity in the ClassroomHolly Dudley

Introduction to Diversity What is Diversity?

Diversity is what makes us all different. We all come from different backgrounds and were raised differently. There are many different races, ethnicities, languages, religious beliefs and cultural ideas that make us all unique. We wouldn’t all want to be the same.

Teachers need to recognize the differences in each student and make sure those differences aren’t keeping the student from achieving success in the classroom.

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Teachers need to use this in their classrooms

everyday to make sure the needs of all students are met.

3 Areas to Culturally Responsive Pedagogy : Institutional

1. Organization of the school, School policies and procedures, and Community involvement

Personal1. Self Reflection and Exploration

Instructional 1. Acknowledge characteristics of students, Validate cultural

identity, Educate about diversity and Promote equity

What do we need from our students? They need to be:

1. Humble- We don’t want our students thinking their culture is superior.

2. Open-minded- They need to be willing to go out of their comfort zones.

3. Empathetic- Be able to see the world from someone else’s shoes and from their perspective.

Reflection The two articles I read were both great and

gave a great amount of perspective as to what I need to do as a teacher to be able to meet the needs of all of my students and be able to teach them to embrace the differences in each other. The “Teaching Tolerance” website had many more articles I could read and even offers a subscription to a magazine and a free kit to be able to teach my students about diversity.

References Sansbury, Sarah. Help Students Reap

Diversity’s Benefits. (2011).July 2, 2012 http://www.tolerance.org/blog/help-students-reap-diversity-s-benefits

Forde, Timothy, Ayanna F. Brown, and Heraldo V. Richards. Addressing Diversity in Schools: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, July 1, 2012. https://westga.view.usg.edu/webct/urw/tp0.lc18361011/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct