Dealing with diversity in the classroom
How do you handle students from divergent backgrounds/ cultures who may have had little or no exposure/interaction to each other's culture and therefore are wrought with stereotypes.
Hi Angela,
Everyone in the class should feel comfortable and that he or she will receive support from the instructor. Your comments are right on target about having no tolerance for those that would make fun of others.
Gary
. its important to make it clear the first day of class that varying opinions are good and enrich the learning process. having zero tolerance for students who laugh at others with different accents or religious preferences should be enforced
The instructor should participate and learn about the different cultures to be able to communicate better. With this you need to keep in mind the other students and not take to much time away from them during the class time. Try to get everyone involved as an ice breaker.
Hi Elizabeth,
Good way to get the introductions started and the students learning about each other. Should help with the development of respect for each other as well.
Gary
I teach at a school that attracts foreign students. The first day of class I have each student stand up to introduce themselves to the class, share where they are from and what their dream job would be. That way the class can begin to appreciate each others differences from day one.
Hi Angela,
You have laid out the requirements for a dedicated and professional educator. With all of these components in place students will have the maximum opportunity to learn.
Gary
I think its important to first present yourself as a professional who knows the content of the material you are presenting. trying to deal with culture and backgrounds is something that takes time . showing professionalism is one rule that is universal
Hi Denise,
Present yourself as a professional educator and that will help you to establish yourself with the students. If they see you as an experienced and supportive instructor the other aspects of how you are regarded will fall into place.
Gary
Hi David,
Right you are. Instructors are there to provide modeling of behavior that treats everyone fairly. In addition they need to provide support to the students as they progress through the course.
Gary
I find that students look at me and have their own preconceived ideas regarding me as a person. Sometimes it is hard to ignore this. It can at times get in the way of the educational experience. Should I try to address these issues, or I should I move on to teaching the topic at hand?
Hi Shawn,
Good point and a good way to show inclusion for every student. This way everyone knows you will be fair and supportive as they move through the course.
Gary
Teacher should be open minded and very true they should get away from stereotyping people.
I tend to move right past the stereotypes. If the students see me as an instructor treating everyone the same, hopefully it will create and encourage that atmosphere between students as well.
Greetings Colleagues,
My first online teaching experience provided quite an interesting, yet positive, experience with diversity. Not only were the students located in various areas around the world; they were also from various backgrounds in terms of age, race, religion, gender, etc. Interestingly enough, this experience provided one of the most rewarding experiences in life, our discussions were informative in that there were quite a few perspectives on each topic supported with life experience for references. From this experience, I developed a renewed respect for individualism and increased appreciation for diversity.
R. Kay Green
Have each student do presentation about thier culture. They can talk about different types of food, clothing (the type of clothe they wear), meaning of a sympbol that is well known or represent their culture, or what make their that culture unique from other cultures.
Hi Victor,
I have found that by creating learning groups I get the students working with each other and in these small groups (5-6 members) they start to develop appreciation for where everyone is coming from. They have a common goal and that is to complete the work assignment but in the process they learn much about each other.
Gary
