Implementing Diversity in the Classroom
Running Header: Culturally Inclusive Classroom
Final Reflection on Personal Growth and
My Plan for a Culturally Inclusive Classroom
Anna Novak
July 27, 2009
EDUC 5173.01
Dr. Gina Anderson
Texas Woman’s University
Final Reflection on Personal Growth and
My Plan for a Culturally Inclusive Classroom
When I first began this semester I thought I had a clear definition of what diversity was and what areas it encompassed. I believed that the term diversity corresponded with issues of race, religion and ethnicity. However, the discussion board assignments and the detailed chapter readings assigned throughout the semester soon broadened my understanding and notion of exactly what encompasses the term diversity. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. This is one of the fundamental concepts I learned from participating in this course. When I first began my journey in this class I had no idea the impact it would have on me and shaping my philosophy as a teacher. I initially considered this a “breeze” through course, believing that I had a firm understanding of diversity, and how to address it within the classroom. However, I soon learned that there was much I did not know about the levels of diversity, and how hard it would be to create an effective and practical diversity rich classroom. When I began this course and realized that several of my classmates were actual teachers or had some form of
Final Reflection on Personal Growth and
My Plan for a Culturally Inclusive Classroom
Anna Novak
July 27, 2009
EDUC 5173.01
Dr. Gina Anderson
Texas Woman’s University
Final Reflection on Personal Growth and
My Plan for a Culturally Inclusive Classroom
When I first began this semester I thought I had a clear definition of what diversity was and what areas it encompassed. I believed that the term diversity corresponded with issues of race, religion and ethnicity. However, the discussion board assignments and the detailed chapter readings assigned throughout the semester soon broadened my understanding and notion of exactly what encompasses the term diversity. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. This is one of the fundamental concepts I learned from participating in this course. When I first began my journey in this class I had no idea the impact it would have on me and shaping my philosophy as a teacher. I initially considered this a “breeze” through course, believing that I had a firm understanding of diversity, and how to address it within the classroom. However, I soon learned that there was much I did not know about the levels of diversity, and how hard it would be to create an effective and practical diversity rich classroom. When I began this course and realized that several of my classmates were actual teachers or had some form of
References: Boud, David & Feletti, Grahame. (1997). The Challenge of problem based learning (2nd Ed.). London, England: Kogan Page limited. Brown, S. C. & Kysilka, M. L. (2002). Applying multicultural and global concepts in the classroom and beyond. Boston, MA: Pearson. Morrison, G.S. (2006). Teaching in America (4th ed). Boston MA: Allyn & Bacon. Powell, Robert G. & Caseau, Dana. (2004). Classroom Communication and Diversity: Enhancing Instructional Practice. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publisher. Rosenfield, Peter, Lambert, Nadine, & Black, Allen. (1985). Desk Arrangement effects on pupil classroom behavior. Journal of Educational Psychology, 77(1), 101-108.