Diversity in education: The path to inclusiveness

Diversity by itself is a thorny subject that often breeds confusion and frustrating situations. In many ways, it is socio-political in nature, and many belief systems clash because of various assumptions of certain affiliations against each other. The modern world has become aware of the need for diversity and also developed active means for addressing issues besetting contemporary life. It may seem more like a trend than a real necessity, but diversity and its acknowledgment prevent prejudice, which in any compass of morality or justice is undeniably erroneous. 

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Ensuring diversity in the classroom is a bigger challenge. For many students and educators, diversity might feel like walking on eggshells. The truth is, as long as everyone keeps an open mind towards views, beliefs, and cultures, inclusiveness can start. It will not be easy, but such an engagement is ultimately valuable for every 21st century learner. Creating an atmosphere conducive to diverse groups of learners with different capabilities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, from divergent religions, social classes, and genders, can benefit everyone.

Structuring the lessons to reflect closely the diversity of today's learning groups is one of the most indispensable ways to achieve awareness and appreciation. By doing so, self-recognition can be facilitated within the context of a group dynamic affirming and celebrating prior cultural differences. It is important to manage classrooms with an immediate stance prioritizing the identification of diversity to avoid assumptions undermining people’s experience of non-universal realities.

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Jay Eitner is an award-winning educator and speaker. An alumnus of the American University at Washington, D.C., and a recipient of a master’s degree from Kean University, he is known for his outside-the-box approach to teaching that focuses on creating student-centered learning environments augmented by technology. He is currently the superintendent of schools for the Waterford Township School District. To read similar articles on education, visit this blog.