Diversity in the Classroom

Diversity in the classroom is not only indicated by race or ethnicity. Diversity can involve preferences, interests, socio-economic class, cultural backgrounds, religion, gender, sexual orientation as well as learning styles and special needs. With each of these forms of difference, students come to the classroom with hosts of experiences, world views, cultural contexts, and sets of experiences that make teaching even more demanding.

In the classroom, teachers need to develop best practices to address diversity. By being aware of the cultures presented and the diverse needs of all students, the teacher will be better suited to serve their needs. When the teacher can embrace diversity, the students will develop a better understanding of cultures and other differences. According to research, teachers that are culturally responsive share five characteristics: 1) They develop a culturally diverse base; 2) They design lessons that are relevant; 3) They demonstrate a caring attitude toward cultural diversity; 4) They develop cross-cultural communication techniques; and 5) They utilize culturally respectful instruction. 

Today, the need for teachers to design lessons that embrace diversity is greater than in the past. Teachers that not only embrace diversity in the classroom but work to incorporate it positively into their curriculum are more successful educators. Students not only have diverse needs and come from diverse backgrounds, but they have diverse ways of learning. Some learn through visual means, others by auditory measures, and some learn kinesthetically. These differences increase the challenges in developing lessons. Teachers need to develop ways to adapt the curricular content and delivery to meet the needs of the students’ individual and cultural differences. 

The bottom line is that by reaching out to the students in an effort to understand them, teachers can bridge the cultural gap, make a better connection to the students, ultimately having a positive influence on their future.

Until next time...