Promoting diversity within the students
❙ By: ELIKA NALLELY F. URETA
It is more important than ever for teachers to incorporate culturally responsive instruction in the classroom, whether they are working with elementary, middle, or high school students. This is because our society is becoming more diverse and multicultural. Additionally, students are becoming more diverse in terms of their economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and linguistic heritage in addition to their skin color and ethnicity.
All students benefit from promoting inclusiveness, raising awareness of intercultural education, and approaching instruction with cultural sensitivity.In addition to encouraging acceptance and assisting children in thriving in a world that is becoming more diverse, increasing multicultural knowledge and inclusion also aids in the academic success of students with various backgrounds and requirements.Teachers have a fantastic opportunity to learn how to foster happy learning environments in the classroom.
The first step in ensuring that cultural awareness is promoted in the classroom is for the teacher to comprehend each student on an individual basis. Teachers should take the time to research each student’s cultural background, interests, preferred learning methods, and other distinctive characteristics. Teachers may build relationships with students and make them feel appreciated by demonstrating a genuine interest in finding more about each one of them and their culture. Since communication is the cornerstone of a culturally sensitive and inclusive classroom, children are more likely to respect and value their classmates if they feel respected by and comfortable with the teacher.
Additionally, it’s critical that kids acknowledge and appreciate both their own and one another’s various backgrounds. Teachers should encourage students to learn about their own ethnic and cultural backgrounds by having them conduct research when appropriate. They can therefore understand their own culture as well as the differences and nuances among their peers thanks to this. This assignment may also be a great icebreaker because it allows students to talk to the class about customs and culture that are distinct from their own. Understanding is facilitated both within and outside of the classroom by acknowledging these disparities and providing a secure environment for dialogue.(