Economic diversity is another form of adversity that instructors must be aware of to be effective teachers.
Students come from a variety of economic backgrounds and current economic situations. Instructors must be aware of economic related problems that can affect a student's ability to perform in the classroom.
The great thing about diversity is the varying perspectives brought to the table. Teachers are challenged with the task of demonstrating to students the values of diversity.
I've found that younger vs. older students provide the most interesting challenges. Career-changers are often more cognizant of the investment they are making, and become impatient with the students who are less engaged.
Since I teach university courses to all foreign students, I have to be aware of their cultural backgrounds, their religious differences, there food preferences and their concerns about being in a foreign country. One person from China was concerned that he was being spied upon by some people from China;; hence, he was reluctant to put anything on paper. I had to satisfy him that he was completely safe in my classroom. Gerald Heideman
Positive attitudes play an important role in education. We have to let our students know that they can develop the technical skill and people skills that are necessary for success. Success in the workplace depends on technical skills and people (soft) skills. It is important for our students to know that these skills can be learned in an educational environment
Dixie,
Relentless optimism is a nice and refreshing way to look at things.
Philip Campbell
Another type of diversity I feel instructors must be aware of to be effective teachers is the learning styles of each student. Once we're acquainted with the learning styles of each student we will be able to address them effectively and make sure that their interests are maintained.
It's my motto. In tough times, it becomes Relentless Optimism.
Dixie,
I love that terminology, Persistent Optimism.
Philip Campbell
Meet them all with persistent optimism!
Dixie,
Focus on the opportunities but do not ignore the challenges.
Philip Campbell
My school also has this rich range of diversity. It certainly provides us with remarkable sets of challenges and opportunities!
I teach composition writing, including how to write persuasive (argumentative)essays. That has been a wonderful tool in getting students to address uncomfortable or volatile issues. By establishing the rule that all opinions are acceptable, as long as they are supported by effective facts, expert opinion or details, rather than mere opinion,I've been able to clear the air on some tough questions, get people to consider other viewpoints, get them to work well as teams and improve interpersonal communication. Like my students, I think I've become more open-minded. I've learned a lot from my students, and they appreciate hearing that. That gives them the validation they often don't get in other aspects of their lives, and gets them relating to each other openly.
Teaching at a tech school for almost Nine years we have changed alot with our student population.its way more diversed so to keep students engaged you have realize that people from different back grounds learn differently. so to be effective you to have hit all angles.
Michele,
There will always be diversity, in the workplace, at social events, etc. It is important to have exposure to them.
Philip Campbell
Within the adult classroom setting there tends to be diversity with age differences. At times discussions can be tense as each tries to understand how the other generation interprets situations. At other times the diversity is a very valuable learning tool for all of us.
I see a variety from students who grew up in different backgrounds. Some grew up the children of millionaires and others grew up in homes on fixed income where they worried about eating daily. Sometimes I have to work really hard to relate to students who have completely different backgrounds than I do. So many of their skills are based on their backgrounds, I try to encourage them to learn about other students and processes that they use.
Economic diversity can play a big role in a students prior education and their ability to gain new skils in the classroom.
Another type of diversity is "introvert" vs. "extrovert." Extroverts enjoy free-wheeling classroom discussions where the instructor poses a question and then looks for immediate responses. Introverts are uncomfortable with this spontanaeity, and prefer to think about their answers for a while. Extroverts enjoy lots of interaction, while introverts prefer written assignments and reading. There are more differences. It's important that teachers also understand these differences, because they affect how students respond in class. Probably at least 1/4 of most classes are introverts.
I truely agree. When dealing with a class full of diversity students, it is our duty as instructors to treat all students with the same respect. also we need to make sure that we teach to the students level of learning making sure that all students come out with understaning and assurance of the lesson being taught. Making students feel equal no matter what the race,background,etc.as teacher is important to treat everyone the same.
Kristina,
It is hard to deal with something that you never had to before. The students are doing the same when trying to deal with school and their personal lives.
Philip Campbell
