ETHNIC DIVERSITY

Creating Cultural Harmony Within The Classroom
Strategies To Go By
• Question yourself!
Recognize any biases or stereotypes you may have absorbed.
• Avoid labels!
Treat students as individuals; respect them for who they are.
• Never assume anything!
Rectify any language pattern that demeans any group.
• Nothing is static!
Terminology changes as ethnic groups find their own identity.
• Be open!
Invite students to convey their feelings on the class cultural climate.
• Include the school!
Introduce discussions on diversity at meetings.

Overcoming Stereotypes And Biases
• Become more aware about the history and culture of groups other than your own.
• Express the same level of respect and confidence in the abilities of all students.
• Don’t try to “protect” any one group of students based on ethnicity or gender.
• Recognize the achievements of all your students.
• Avoid generalization and recognize the complexity of diversity.

Teaching Material
• Select readings with language that is free of stereotypes and is gender-neutral.
• Curriculum should be inclusive, inclusive, inclusive!
• Not all students will recognize cultural or historical references familiar to you.
• Bring in an expert! Professionals of different ethnic groups can enrich your teaching.

Class Discussions
• Different approaches and viewpoints are important.
• Encourage them to evaluate their own beliefs.
• Value all comments! Students should feel free to voice their own opinions.
• Make it safe! Encourage all students to participate in class discussions.
• Behaviour can be unconscious! Monitor your own when responding to students.
• Reflect and re-evaluate your pedagogical methods for teaching in a diverse setting.
• Speak up! If a student makes a distasteful remark, don’t let it go unnoticed.
• Avoid singling out students as spokespersons.

Assignments
• Be sensitive! There are students whose first language is not English.
• Assign group work and collaborative learning activities.
• Explore! Recognize students’ diverse backgrounds and special interests.

Sources: “Fostering Diversity in the Classroom: Teaching by Discussion”
http://www.colorado.edu/ftep/diversity/div02.html

“Teaching about Ethnic Diversity”
http://www.thememoryhole.org/edu/eric/ed273539.html