Application of Cultural Diversity in Education
Introduction
When it comes to careers and professions that require dealing with other people, being skilled and competent in the job is not enough. One must also remember to take into account factors that are intrinsic to other people such as their personalities, characteristics, traits, and preferences.
People are complex creatures; they vary greatly based on race, gender, sexual preference, orientation, religion, and cultural identity. If I do not show sensitivity towards cultural diversity, the points I may be trying to express may be misconstrued. In addition, I would come off as intolerant of other cultures. This would result in creating an atmosphere of distrust—a situation that could impede communication, a skill important to my future teaching job.
Being a future educator, it is therefore important that I am aware of such information when dealing with people and thus interact with them accordingly to create a mutual feeling of respect. Establishing good relationships with students is essential to my career, and so I should come off as culturally sensitive and welcoming so that I will be successful when dealing with other people.
Establishing a welcoming and safe learning atmosphere is important for future teachers. It is expected that teachers will meet students of different backgrounds, each having different personalities, characteristics, and values. It would be therefore difficult to create a learning environment in such a way that it will be beneficial and conducive for all students. However, some steps can be taken so that cultural diversity will be promoted not only by me but also my students as well.
First, I can raise awareness about the cultural sensitivities of some of my students to the whole class. I could let them introduce themselves to their fellow classmates so that they become aware that some of their classmates are different from them. I can then point out and emphasize the fact that simply being different does not mean that they should not be treated normally. After all, if my students learn to see each other as comrades despite their differences, they would learn to work with one another which would create a harmonious relationship in the classroom. In addition, I could discuss the matter of cultural diversity and respect for different cultures. I should also read up on the respective cultures of my students so that I teach them via example. I can address my students appropriately, such as pronouncing their names correctly and using inclusive terms as much as possible.
I can also let my students know in no uncertain terms that respect and value for cultural beliefs is highly encouraged in this classroom, and then establish rules that will deal with any signs of cultural insensitivity. I will be positive, objective, and welcoming when dealing with students to let them know that I am approachable and fair. However, I will not tolerate unwelcome remarks of any kind, such as racist, sexist, or insensitive comments and respond accordingly (“Designing Culturally Inclusive Classrooms”).
Understanding and Support for Different People
When I become a teacher, they may be times when I come across students who are considered to be marginalized by modern society, such as the ones with different sexual orientations, those whose gender roles do not conform to today’s expected roles, and the ones who are bullied or discriminated against. These people need someone to understand what they are going through. As a future teacher, it is important for me to serve as an authority figure that will offer guidance and support to these students when they are needed. This is especially important when it comes to victims of bullying, as they need help from someone they can trust upon. If I see someone being bullied, I can use my position to discipline the guilty party and offer counsel to the ones victimized
Regarding the sexual orientation issue, I can keep myself informed with topics pertaining to those such as the issue of sexual identity and preference. I can ask them what pronoun they use when it comes to referring to themselves if they are transgender. I should also refrain from becoming stereotypical about their attitudes just because they are part of the LGBT community. (“Best Practices: Creating an LGBT-inclusive School Climate”). As for gender roles, I should not impose certain tasks as masculine and feminine. I should be open-minded to the fact that in our modern society, men and women are not expected to fulfill certain roles prescribed by tradition.
In general, I would treat these students in the same manner as I would treat everyone. However, I will see to it that they view me as someone whom they can trust—as a reasonable authority figure. After all, being a teacher means that I should see to it that students under my control will learn life lessons aside from the ones I teach inside the classroom.
Improvement of Knowledge, Disposition and Skills
In order to better understand about cultural diversity, I should learn more about the issues surrounding it. Learning comes into forms: either I learn based from what I have read and researched or I learn based from my past experiences. I can read about the topics involving cultural diversity if the situation calls that I should have knowledge about it. For example, if I had an Asian student, I can read about their beliefs, traditions and holidays so that I become acquainted with their culture. If I had a Muslim student, I would not offer foods that are not halal because I know that is forbidden in their religion.
However, learning does not come from knowledge alone. I can also acquire it through experience. In order to do so, I can broaden my horizons and become acquainted from people from all sorts of background. By doing so, I can become familiar with the cultures of the world and learn from them firsthand.
Conclusion
As a future educator, I will deal with many people with various backgrounds and culture. Therefore, I need to become culturally diverse in order to accommodate students from all over. I can establish a learning atmosphere that respects and promotes various culture, I can serve as a reasonable authority figure for those who are considered outcasts of society, and I can familiarize myself with various cultures through learning and experience. In doing so, I can become an educator who is not restricted to cultural boundaries.
References
Best Practices: Creating an LGBT-inclusive School Climate. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.tolerance.org/lgbt-best-practices
Designing culturally inclusive classrooms. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usc.edu.au/connect/work-at-usc/staff/cultural-diversity-and-inclusive-practice-toolkit/designing-culturally-inclusive-classrooms
