IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT: Student Diversity & Social Issues By: Manon Lee
Learning Objectives The reader will be able to identify and understand the various diversity-related sources in the classroom. The reader will be able to recognize societal issues that exist in a classroom.
A classroom may contain a variety of students. Race, gender, ethnicity, language, academic ability, culture, and disabilities of all kinds are a few examples of the various forms of diversity one might find in a classroom. It is crucial to be aware of each of these elements and know how to create a comfortable environment for everyone in the classroom because they can all affect how the child learns and experiences the classroom. You can learn about some of the following and what corresponds with it in the pages that follow. The United States has traditionally supported the idea of assimilation, or conforming to a dominant culture; nevertheless, modern society has transitioned to cultural pluralism(Ryan 58). Individuals are encouraged to hold on to their identity and culture through cultural pluralism. By embracing difference, teachers should encourage cultural diversity and inclusion(73). Teachers and schools can use multicultural education(59) to guarantee that children from all backgrounds can learn equally in a secure and safe environment. Social justice, universal teaching, and specialized subjects are all parts of this educational approach. Teachers can aid in the mending of society by promoting social justice. Diversity in the Classroom
Types of Diversity Race Racial and cultural diversity will be the first area of diversity we discuss. This type of diversity is the most direct in today's society, both inside and outside of the classroom. To ensure that every student has an equal chance for success in the classroom today, teachers must adopt a multicultural educational approach. By using this strategy, teachers are fostering in their students a sense of cultural understanding and good relationships with their peers, which makes the classroom a happier place. English Language Learners Students who are English language learners(63) have a limited grasp of language because English is not their first language. Most educators lack the necessary skills to work with these kids. Teaching strategies could include vocabulary notebooks, films, and graphics Gender Due to their gender, women have experienced prejudice throughout history. Instructors should strive to treat all genders equally and stay away from discriminatory prejudices. By promoting a variety of learning styles, teachers should maintain high standards for all students, regardless of gender, and prevent damaging stereotypes. Voices from the Classroom: One of my friends came out as transgender and bisexual during my senior year of high school. We learned that they had committed suicide two weeks after our graduation as a result of all the hate and bullying they had endured both offline and online.
Multiple Intelligences Multiple intelligences(67)should be incorporated into teaching, according to psychologists and educators. Curriculum should take into account the many ways in which students learn. The eight intelligences/learning styles that Howard Gardner identified are: naturalist, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.Not every child learns in the same way, thus a teacher may use a game, a film, or anything physical to engage students' different intelligences during a session. Just some students can benefit from learning in one style, not all of them.
PAUSE & Reflect What strategies can you use as a teacher to incorporate multiple intelligences in your classroom? Which do you believe may be the most challenging,and why? What difficulties do you anticipate encountering as a teacher in a diverse classroom? What do you believe will be the most challenging task?
Social Issues Students who lack the self are most affected by social issues,these issues can result in students at risk, who are less likely to receive a sufficient education (92). Social issues can have a significant impact on children' ability to learn. Similar to diversity, there are other different social issue categories, including those involving single parents, unemployment, big families, and people who travel around a lot. Adverse childhood experiences are stressful events that happen throughout childhood and may have a long-term impact on one's health and overall well-being. Examples of these include parental substance addiction issues, witnessing violence, and abuse.Students who are exposed to each of these elements in a different way may be affected by them.
Poverty 46.5 million people lived in poverty in the United States in 2012. Of all age categories, 16.1 million children live in poverty, which is the biggest number (98). In the past, unemployment was the primary contributor to poverty. It's still the case today that one parent works full-time and the other is typically unemployed. Homelessness is a common problem for poor families. Homeless students experience more difficulties than regular students, which affects their capacity to learn. Abuse Mental, verbal, sexual, and even substance abuse are all forms of abuse that are not usually obvious. 10% of kids experienced sexual abuse and 15% of children are abused physically. The substance that is most frequently abused is alcohol. Around 7 out of 10 teenagers say they drank before finishing high school. Prior to completing high school, 49% of young people took an illegal substance (105-106). Suicidal Adolecents One in every twelve high school students will try suicide each year, according to studies, making it one of the major causes of youth death in the United States (107). Teens may have suicidal thoughts and behaviors for a range of social reasons, such as drug misuse, family violence, unemployment, bullying, and mental health. Schools should set up a network of friends, instructors, and social workers to support students.
PAUSE & Reflect What effects might a student's home life have in a classroom? How would you be able to tell if a student was dealing with a mental illness?
It is essential that educators comprehend societal issues as well as diversity. They have a big impact on how kids learn and the school environment.Teachers can capitalize on diversity and social issues to promote learning by exhibiting empathy, using a range of teaching methods, and creating a genuine connection with their students.This line of work can be demanding at times; always remember to ask for assistance if you require it. Which aspect of diversity described in this book best resonates with you? What makes you believe that is? What have you discovered about the requirements for creating a healthy learning environment in a classroom? Final Word
GLOSSARY ❏ Adverse Childhood Experiences- are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years) ❏ Cultural Pluralism- an approach to diversity of individuals that calls for understanding and appreciating cultural differences. ❏ Diversity- blah ❏ English Language Learner- students whose native language is not English. ❏ Inclusion- the commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the regular school and classroom rather than moving children with disabilities to separate classes or institutions. ❏ Multicultural Education- an approach to education that recognizes cultural diversity and foster cultural enrichment of all children and youth. ❏ Multiple Intelligences- a theory of intelligence that identifies at least eight dimensions of intellectual capacities that people use to approach problems and create products. ❏ Students at risk- students judged to be in serious jeopardy of not completing school or not succeeding in school.
Ryan et. al. (2016). Those Who Can, Teach. REFERENCES