Human Development, Part 19

Question 1: Discuss why recognizing diversity in the school population is important.

Answer 1: Educational institutions in the United States are composed of increasingly diverse student populations. The percentage of African-American, Hispanic, and Asian students has increased dramatically over the past several years. When some of these students come to school for the first time, many do not speak English and have had very different pre-school experiences. From cultural norms to language diversity to socioeconomic status, students come from a variety of home situations. Some are better prepared for school than others both academically and socially. It is imperative that educators develop programs and curricula that emphasize that all children are capable of learning and meeting high academic standards. Each student must understand that he or she has a bright future if he or she studies hard and develops strong relationships with caring adult mentors. It is the responsibility of educators to provide the tools and the environment necessary for students to achieve.

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Question 2: Discuss some ways educators can help a diverse student population achieve success.

Answer 2: A major goal of every educator should be to recognize that diversity exists and then design curricula and develop programs that address diversity issues. Diversity should never be an add-on to the school’s established culture. Policies and practices must be based on the principle that no matter what the child’s pre-school experiences, every student has inherent strengths that can and should be used to help him or her succeed. When the curriculum reflects student diversity, all children benefit. Children understand that where they came from will not hinder them from reaching their goals. Another factor in the equation is parents. Most want their children to do well in school. Studies have shown that parents’ participation in their children’s education has a profound effect on children’s academic performance and ultimate success. Schools must make it a priority to provide an environment that invites and encourages parents’ active involvement.

Question 3: Discuss how learning with an understanding of diversity enhances the educational experience.

Answer 3: One of the main goals of twenty-first-century education is to develop critical thinkers. When students are taught with a curriculum that embraces diversity, it enables them to function more effectively in a complex, multicultural society. To appreciate how past actions affect present circumstances, students need to understand the historical experiences of every cultural group in their society. America may be a melting pot, but that pot contains the hopes, dreams, history, and struggles of many ethnic groups; each one made unique contributions to the society we have today. An empowering educational culture that embraces multicultural diversity encourages teachers to use different methods, materials, concepts, and values to reach their students. Integrating information about and studying the impact of all cultures greatly enhances students’ ability to understand, appreciate, and get along with different racial, ethnic, and gender groups.

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