Reflection 4 Why a diversity course?

Why a diversity course?

We would think that the need for a diversity course is unimportant and that we are aware of the fact that we are all different in some ways. But, is that the only issues underling diversity? How prepared are we as teacher in a diverse classroom? This paper will discuss the case study “Samantha Carter’s Diversity Class” and why she needs to take a diversity course. I will discuss issues about experience that might have leaded me to think that I am well-prepared for diversity and in what am I prepared.

Despite the experiences that Sam had with teaching and interacting with different types of student; she also needs to be knowledgeable about diversity in order to be an effective teacher. Our world is changing rapidly and more and more cultures, beliefs, religion and disabilities are found in the classroom of today. In order for real learning to take place and the accommodation of all students to be considered, a teacher must be aware of these differences. The real effect will take place after becoming more knowledgeable and one is able to reinvent their thinking and perception to accommodate each student. Because we all learn differently, which is based on the differences in culture, abilities and perception but not limited to these few, Sam will have to be able to incorporate various skills to include all these learners. There will be the need for the ability to improve and encourage intergroup and intragroup interaction and how to transmit intercultural understanding and skills to students. Adversity course will aid in the understanding of social and cultural changes and to understand culture, learning and culture learning processes.

Am I well-prepared for diversity? Or will anyone be well-prepared for diversity? I will not say that I am well-prepared for diversity as this is an ongoing preparation. However I have become aware of the social and cultural difference and to some extent accepting and tolerating people of difference. I am coming to a deeper understanding of cultural and social change through my present diversity class. I have also experience diversity in my classroom as a student but not from a teacher’s perspective. However I will be introduced to such an experience further on in the course through service learning.

In summary, in a multicultural ever-changing society, a diversity class is important to all teachers. This will enable them to be competent in the teaching and learning process. It is also one way to educate the coming generation about multicultural awareness and to accommodate different type of learners.