2. How can we define diversity?
• An array or range of different things.
• The distinctiveness.
• Diversification
• Heterogeneity
It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual
differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other
ideologies.
3. Examining 4 Types of diversity
The key to diversity is to understand how different types of
diversity and different demographic characteristics can impact human
behavior. The four types of diversity that will be examined are:
• Occupation
• Differences in skills and abilities
• Personality traits
• Value and attitudes
4. Raising Awareness Of Diversity
Being mentors we must need to understand that each individual is unique and that each is composed of
differing elements. So we tend to promote the state of diversity in schools in order to bring about advancement,
better learning and discovering hidden talents.
• Our first goal as teachers is always to encourage our learners to make use of their developing
language. Giving them a genuine communicative purpose and making it personal to them are two
good ways of achieving this. For students beginning their journey to greater self-awareness,
teachers could devise an inventory of learning skills for them to rate themselves on. This could
include items such as ‘I keep my notes in order’, ‘I always make a note of homework and the date it
should be done’ or whatever is appropriate to their level. Let our kids know and accept their nature
of learning.
• Students could work in small groups to create class surveys and explore how other members of the
class like to work. Exploration of learning strategies could also be embedded into a board game, a
letter-writing activity (perhaps letters to an academic ‘agony aunt/uncle’) or even a game of bingo.
6. Significance Of Diversity in a classroom
Learning the importance of diversity should be a part of every child’s
education. There are several ways that diversity could benefit your students’
experience. Here are a few of the main reasons why diversity matters in your
kid’s classroom and what you can do to encourage more.
7. Significance Of Diversity in a classroom
• Sensitivity toward Others
Diversity also teaches children how to be more sensitive toward others. Some cultures and religions
are known to have certain rules of etiquette that may be different than yours and your child’s, and
learning about these rules and how to respect them will foster a better sense of compassions
towards others.
• Better Preparedness for a Higher Education
Being exposed to a diverse school setting at an early age can help make your child more
prepared to earn a degree in higher education in the future. Your child will have the chance to
learn new life skills from people of different backgrounds, which can be especially useful when
the time comes to start applying for colleges.
8. Significance Of Diversity in a classroom
• Improved Social Life
Children in diverse school settings have a better chance of making a variety of new
friends. Having a strong network of friends will enable your son or daughter to learn
better communication and problem-solving skills and can even boost your child’s self-
esteem.
• Sharper Creative Thinking Skills
Your child will be able to look at problems from different angles and perspectives and
come up with more effective solutions. Diversity will teach your child how to draw upon
different influences to solve problems and not just view these issues through a single-
focus lens.
9. Significance Of Diversity in a classroom
• Combatting Cultural Stereotypes
All too often, people tend to adopt stereotypical views of different cultures, and these
negative beliefs can create animosity among different groups. If your child is able to
learn about other cultures from an early age, they will be less likely to adopt these
stereotypical views later on.
• Appreciate Individuality and Cultivate Respect
Knowing is only half the battle. You must foster a spirit of acceptance and individuality
in your classroom. Encourage your students to be proud of their individual values and
cultures, but to accept others’ as valuable as well.
10. Let Us Cater For Diversity
Being in a diverse school setting can help our students. Having the ability to
understand people of different backgrounds while learning new life skills can be
used to build a brighter future filled with tolerance and understanding.
“ In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
- Maya Angelou