Age and Ethic Diversity
It took me a term or so to try and balance the diversity at school. It is an interesting thing to see when all different ages and races come together and work together for the same goals.
Charles,
You make an excellent point. Many of us may have grown up in an environment that didn't have a lot of diversity. The opportunity to learn from others of differing backgrounds is key to self-development. Sharing this experience with others can help them overcome any fears they may have and can truly enhance the learning process.
-Brian
Mark,
Good question and one that focuses on the individual value of each person. When I talk about the value of others I use the letters END. The END is the beginning. E is example. I give examples of how we can approach and work with others. Within these examples are stories reinforce what I am saying. N is nurture. How can we nurture each other so that even though there have been previous failures and life challenges through nurturing growth can occur. D is direction. What are some specific ways to work with and help others to be successful. Core beliefs can be introduced through the direction and that is where the human factor comes in. As you mention we are all human with different backgrounds, composition, experiences and goals. How can we collectively work to help each other to achieve our personal goals. I think this approach will be supportive as well as informative to and for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At our institution, I teach a session on diversity. The textbook defines race as biological differences that sets one group apart from another. I personally believe, as I look into the scripture, that only one race exists – it is called human, and we are all in it – created in the image of God. No one is more human or less human because of biological differences (eye color, hair color, skin color, etc…). I can teach the textbook definition in good conscience and go on; however, my core beliefs are passionate about each student’s success.
My experience teaches me that a segment of students in any reasonably sized cohort has been told that they will never amount to anything; and, consequently, probably most of these have never excelled academically. Often, you can see it on their faces as you scan the audience. I want to lead students to realize the value of who they are and come to a point of self-actualization to reach their full potential. For each student to clearly see what he or she can achieve would bolster retention.
Question: Mr. Gary and others, in your opinion, at what point would I be overstepping my bounds as a guest speaker to integrate this facet of my Christian belief into my diversity lecture? I certainly do not intend to turn my lecture into a Sunday school lesson. The students are not paying for that. I do want to teach students to work well with others who are different from themselves and who may have different beliefs. I do not want to take a potentially controversial topic and make it volatile.
Michael,
The key point is to serve as a model to and for the students in how you dress, speak, write and conduct yourself. This in turn sets the standard for how the course will be conducted. Then the different ages and student backgrounds can see how they can be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
sence i have been teaching i have found learning the ways that differant ages and differant ethic and diversity work and how each person will take things in differnt text is helpfull to teach at a differant leavel .
Ginny,
So have I as I am encountering the same student profiles. To be able to reach the more experienced students along with the younger less mature ones is a real challenge and then when I have 3-4 ELL students I have my hands full. I just keep trying to be creative through my content delivery and instructional support and each time I teach my courses I identify more ways to reach my students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love teaching. I have worked the career that I teach for over 20 years....however I find it very challenging to teach the young student right now they want to be entertained in there teaching and to also teach the foreign student...the ones that don't have a command for English think they do and say they understand when you ask them and they really don't so you have to constantly have them repeat what you said so you know they got it and the ones that you think have a command of the language sometimes just want to do it there way...which may not be the correct way. It wasn't like this even 5 years ago....so teaching has become work for me....I have had to revamp my style.
Students learn a lot when they have the opportunity to learn from people in different age groups or from a different background.
Michael,
You are bringing to the classroom/lab experiences and knowledge that can only be acquired through living and career success. Your students are fortunate to have access to you and your expertise during the course. You are and will continue to make a difference in their educational development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I started teaching at a late age in life. My work experience with age and ethnic diversities has really helped me in reaching out to those students.
Peggy,
Thank you for your last sentence. I appreciate teachers that like teaching. Seems strange that I would make such a statement but many teachers are in the classroom as a job and not as an advocate for their field. It doesn't take long for students to recognize that passion and zeal for teaching and the field is missing. This impacts their attitude and effort for sure.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's challenging but very rewarding when teaching a wide range of ages and ethnic backgrounds as the course progresses, students bond and learn from one another. I love teaching!
Dustin,
Sounds like you have found balance within your class composition so you are able to keep your students moving forward while they are learning to interact and work with others different in age and experiences from themselves. This is such good training for them because they are going to experience such diversity in their places of work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
