what learning and growth are you aware of at this point in the diversity course ?

by Ola Gerlach 7 min read

Why is diversity and cultural awareness important in the classroom?

It is important to remind ourselves why diversity and cultural awareness is so crucial in the classroom and the benefits it can have on students now and in the long-term. Teaching diversity exposes students to various cultural and social groups, preparing students to become better citizens in their communities.

How to implement diversity awareness training?

The training uses case studies and experiential exercises as the method of training implementation. This deals with developing employees’ proficiency in handling diversity in the workplace. Various tools are used to take the employees from the awareness to the proficiency stage.

What 5 lessons campus diversity taught me?

5 Lessons Campus Diversity Taught Me 1. Diversity makes you a more aware and well-rounded person 2. Diversity keeps you accountable for what you say 3. Diversity should make you feel a bit uncomfortable, but that’s okay 4. Diversity allows you to be critical of the ideas you grew up with

What does diversity and inclusion training look like?

An effective diversity and inclusion training program will teach employees how to recognize bias within themselves or others and show them how they can unlearn negative behaviors associated with it. It will provide information that highlights the positive ways that changes in behavior can affect themselves, their colleagues, and their organization.

What do you learn from diversity training?

6 things I learned during diversity and inclusion training that you can apply to your businessBe aware of bias and how it can impact decision-making. ... Understand the value of names and pronouns. ... Be intentional about inclusive language. ... Understand intersectionality. ... Learn the difference between equity vs.More items...•

What are some of the benefits of diversity awareness training?

Diversity training is an important step in achieving that goal. Training helps employees become more aware of unconscious bias and other barriers to diversity and inclusion, and motivates positive behaviors and attitudes – essential for creating and maintaining a respectful, inclusive workplace.

How does diversity help you grow?

Diversity can stimulate and develop our curiosity. People working in diverse places have better chances to learn and grow. Many people in such contexts still focus more on the work to be achieved rather than adapting their styles and strategies to attain cultural harmony and mutual respect.

Why is learning about diversity so important?

When working and learning with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures present in the classroom, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It also teaches students how to use their own strengths and points of view to contribute in a diverse working environment.

What are the benefits of diversity training in the workplace?

Expected Benefits of Diversity TrainingEliminate Discrimination and Harassment. ... Safer Workplace for All Employees. ... Avoid Lengthy Legal Issues. ... Improved Innovation and Company Growth. ... Increased Productivity. ... Decreased Conflict.

What is diversity awareness training?

Diversity awareness training is used to enhance employees' understanding of and sensitivity to cultural and other differences. By building awareness and understanding, training provides a foundation for behavior change.

Why is it important to learn about different cultures?

Understanding cultures will help us overcome and prevent racial and ethnic divisions. Racial and ethnic divisions result in misunderstandings, loss of opportunities, and sometimes violence.

How could you develop or improve your social and cultural awareness?

SEVEN PRACTICES YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TO INCREASE CULTURAL AWARENESS IN THE WORKPLACEGet training for global citizenship. ... Bridge the culture gap with good communication skills. ... Practice good manners. ... Celebrate traditional holidays, festivals, and food. ... Observe and listen to foreign customers and colleagues.More items...•

What is diversity education?

Teaching for diversity refers to acknowledging a range of differences in the classroom. Teaching for inclusion signifies embracing difference. Teaching for equity allows the differences to transform the way we think, teach, learn and act such that all experiences and ways of being are handled with fairness and justice.

What are the benefits of learning in a diverse and inclusive community?

Diversity Improves Cognitive Skills and Critical ThinkingExposure to Diversity Helps Students Enter Adulthood. ... Diversity Prepares Students for Citizenship. ... Diversity Promotes Creativity. ... Learn about Students' Cultural Backgrounds. ... Create a Culturally Responsive Learning Environment.More items...•

Why is it important for teachers to be aware of student diversity?

Studies have shown that having diverse classrooms help develop tolerance and a greater sense of security when in environments with other foreign cultures present. It also helps students learn about other languages and cultures, encouraging them to be interculturally sensitive.

What are diverse needs of learners?

Diverse Learning Needs means the needs of all learners including: females as well as males; members of ethnic and racial minorities as well as ethnic and racial majorities; learners who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, as well as those who are more advantaged; learners who.

What is diversity training?

Diversity training, sometimes also referred to as diversity and inclusion training, is an organized educational program that aims to promote awaren...

What are the benefits of diversity training?

Diversity and inclusion training has two sets of benefits.On the one side, there are business-focused benefits:Drive bottom-line business successDe...

What does diversity training include?

Diversity training can be anything from a one-hour session that highlights the various forms of bias that a person might encounter, to a much more...

What should diversity training focus on?

Diversity training should focus on long-term strategies to build an understanding of the differences between people and how to navigate those diffe...

What are the elements of diversity?

These identities include, but are not limited to, ability, age, class, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, immigration status, intellectual...

Is mandatory diversity training legal?

Mandatory diversity training is legal. However, some companies will allow employees to opt out, provided that they have a reasonable excuse for not...

How effective is diversity training?

A 2019 study into the effectiveness of diversity training delivered mixed results in regards to the effectiveness of diversity training. On the one...

How can teachers and administrators help students with cultural diversity?

There are several ways teachers and administrators, such as principals and coaches, can ensure that both the classroom environment and curriculum are responsive to the increasing cultural diversity of our society. These strategies will encourage all students’ cultural awareness, enhancing each student’s sense of identity, ...

Why do students learn about different cultures during their education?

Students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life. This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more confident in themselves as well as in their interactions with others.

Why is culturally responsive teaching important?

With these culturally responsive teaching strategies in mind, it’s important to remind ourselves why diversity and cultural awareness is so crucial in the classroom and the benefits it can have on students now and in the long-term.

Why is it important to promote awareness in the classroom?

Promoting awareness and creating a personal connection with diverse cultures in the classroom can prevent students from developing prejudices later in life. It allows them to empathize with people different from themselves since they’re more aware of the experiences someone of a different race or cultural group may face.

How to promote cultural awareness in the classroom?

Ensuring that cultural awareness is promoted in the classroom starts with the teacher understanding each individual student. Take the time to learn about each student’s cultural background, hobbies, learning styles, and what makes them unique.

Why do teachers do group assignments?

Group assignments are also a great way to expose students to diverse perspectives, allowing them to work together to explore and solve a problem.

Is cultural diversity in the classroom on the rise?

Cultural diversity in the classroom is on the rise. In 2014, U.S. public schools hit a minority majority milestone with Latino, African-American, and Asian students having surpassed the number of white students. In 2044, the U.S. Census predicts that over half of the nation’s population will be people of color, so this trend will likely continue.

What is the goal of diversity training?

The goal of diversity training is to make employees understand that even if there are differences amongst the team members that they are working with, a little adjustment in one’s attitude will make for an extraordinary team.

Why do companies need diversity training?

Diversity training is an initiative taken by most companies to create awareness of diversity issues and bring about cohesiveness in teams. It is primarily a part of the leadership development programs to promote togetherness and level playing field ...

What is awareness based training?

Awareness-based training: This type of training is generally used as a sensitizer for employees. It deals with making employees aware of the importance of diversity in business. It also makes employees aware of their prejudices and cultural assumptions about others. The training uses case studies and experiential exercises as the method ...

When did diversity training start?

Diversity training started in the1960s in response to civil rights movement. This laid the foundation for a black and white equality in the workplace or for that matter, anything that required teams to work together, even sports.

Why is not considering women for the project acceptable?

Scenario 1: Not considering women for the project just because it involved late working is not acceptable. There are many women who work night shifts and work very well in high-pressure projects. By not choosing woman, those team leaders are likely not selecting the best talent available.

Why is diversity training important?

As the conversation around this topic grows, it is important for all organizations to look at their own diversity training programs and see where they can improve, become more effective, and, importantly, understand what does and doesn’t work.

How effective is diversity training?

Research has shown that diversity training is most effective when it is promoted on a regular basis. 4. Lead by example. When the company leadership visibly upholds the values of diversity and inclusion, employees are much more likely to follow their example.

How to increase diversity and inclusion?

Increase the amount of time and money spent on diversity and inclusion training within the organization. Create an environment that nurtures and promotes diversity. In spending time on internal surveys, an organization can better understand where they need to focus their energy.

What is diversity training?

Diversity training, sometimes also referred to as diversity and inclusion training, is an organized educational program that aims to promote awareness and understanding of how people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs can best work together harmoniously.

What are the goals of an organization?

Here are some common goals that organizations have identified: Create a healthy working environment where people of different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and talents can productively work together. Increase the number of women, people of color, or otherwise underrepresented people within the organization.

Can diversity training be completed in a day?

As we have noted above, diversity training is not something that can be completed in a day. These biases are learned over a lifetime - they won’t go away in a day. Have patience with your employees, and the leaders of the program, and understand that it might be a while before you see concrete results.

Why is diversity important in the classroom?

Diversity improves critical-thinking skills, builds empathy and encourages students to think differently. If you want to tackle the issue of diversity in the classroom for your school, ...

What are some of the projects that students are working on to promote diversity in the classroom?

Some of the projects they’re working on to promote diversity in the classroom include: A first-grade rally to end homelessness: To learn about homelessness and civic engagement, students write letters to the mayor and use their creative skills to produce awareness materials like posters and songs.

How to celebrate diversity in the classroom?

Schools are a central part of the community and should reflect and celebrate its diversity. Communicate your goals for diversity in the classroom to parents. Ask if they have any questions or concerns, and then listen.

What happens if you ignore diversity in the classroom?

If you ignore the issue of diversity in the classroom and choose to not promote diversity in your school, you’re not doing your job. Children go to school to be prepared for the workforce, so teaching must effectively address and embrace the realities that come with living and working in a diverse school, community and country.

How does having teachers of color affect students?

In a 2018 study from the Learning Policy Institute, researchers found that having teachers of color increased the academic performance of students of color. As a school leader, you can directly impact the diversity of your faculty through hiring and recruitment efforts.

What percentage of teachers are white?

The vast majority of teachers in the United States are white and female. According to federal data, 81.6 percent of teachers are white, while just 6.8 percent are black. As a contrast, 47 percent of students are white, while 16 percent are black.

What are the factors that affect diversity?

This includes many different factors: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ability, age, religious belief, or political conviction. All these factors work together to inform how students (and teachers, and everyone else) encounter the world. The University of Rhode Island defines diversity in ...

Why is diversity important in school?

In class you will be learning a lot of different theories about politics, history, and how the world functions. Outside of class, you will hear students open up about their personal lives and listen to their opinions and world-views.

Is diversity uncomfortable in college?

Diversity should make you feel a bit uncomfortable, but that’s okay. College is already uncomfortable, from having to do difficult assignments to getting to know your classmates and professors. But now you will be living constantly with people who are vastly different than you, and that can be nerve-racking.

Why do we need diversity?

The fact is that if you want to build teams or organizations capable of innovating, you need diversity. Diversity enhances creativity. It encourages the search for novel information and perspectives, leading to better decision making and problem solving.

What is diversity and inclusion?

The Diversity.Social Diversity and Inclusion Best Practice is to intentionally structure your companies based on your target customers. You can’t focus on your customers if you don’t understand how they think. Having a diversity of thinking allows your team to understand and design better customer experience, which leads to better customer satisfaction. Better customer services. A diverse and inclusive workforce can improve customer services. As a matter of fact, a diverse workforce will often mean diverse expertise, talent, experience and capabilities in the employees. If a manager understands the intricacies and complexity of how to manage diversity effectively, he will be able to put the right person into the correct position, by minimizing his weaknesses while enhancing the particular employee’s strength. From this perspective, a diverse workforce enables a manager to choose the correct candidate for a particular position in the organization. For example, someone with a cheering personality and has the ability to build rapport fast with customers can be sent to the customer services department.

What is a diverse workforce?

As a matter of fact, a diverse workforce will often mean diverse expertise, talent, experience and capabilities in the employees.

How does diversity benefit the workplace?

For example, gender diversity will bring in investment and innovation from different gender; cultural diversity will bring in ideas and traditional wisdom from other cultures; age diversity will bring in experience and problem-solving methods from people with different historical experiences. All these ideas will bring attract different investment because people in a diverse environment understand the needs better.

How does diversity and inclusion affect the world?

Having diversity and inclusion will improve the balance of opinions, views in any setting. A well-balanced world will accept different opinions and reduce fears towards differences. A well-balanced world can also improve the average cultural competency in the society.

What is a chief diversity officer?

Sometimes, the Chief Diversity Officers will work with diversity consultants to improve the states and maturity of diversity in the workplace.

Why is diversity important in a team?

A diverse and inclusive team not only gives the companies additional experience and point of views, but it also helps and improve the openness and tolerance of different cultural habits in the same work environment.

How does cultural diversity help in education?

Cultural diversity in education helps to support: 1. Deep Learning. Learning happens within the curriculum and outside of it. With a diverse student population, students have the privilege of gaining more understanding about people and backgrounds from all over.

What is cultural diversity?

Cultural diversity is synonymous with multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as, “the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly those of minority groups, deserve special acknowledgment of their differences within a dominant political culture.”

Why is cultural diversity important?

Cultural diversity is important in every setting in life, but it can be even more pivotal when it happens within education. Students around the world have the right to equal access of quality education, and as such, there are many upsides that come along with it when institutions believe in the power of diversity.

Why is it important to be culturally diverse?

If a workplace has done the necessary work, it’s bound to be culturally diverse. Attending a culturally diverse institute of education will prepare students for their future in a workplace.

What is culture in the world?

Culture is a broad term that encompasses beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and overall can be understood as our “way of being.”. When you go out into the world, you will come into contact with people from different backgrounds and walks of life. It’s a good rule of thumb to honor cultural diversity with your actions.

Why is it important to have students from different cultures?

When students participate with people from varied cultures, it provides them with more confidence in dealing with things outside of their comfort zones. It can build strength of character, pride, and confidence.

How to deal with cultural insensitivity?

Interact with people outside of your culture. Be open-minded to listen and let go of judgment. If you see anyone who is being culturally insensitive, speak out against it. Accept that differences are beneficial and not harmful. Don’t force your beliefs on people with opposing views.

Why is diversity important in leadership?

Diversity in leadership gives business-to-business companies an advantage with prospective customers. As more corporate leadership teams make diversity a priority in-house, they’re also extending their expectation of diversity to their suppliers. Vendors that can demonstrate their own diversity practices are more likely to win business from these companies.

How does diversity help a company?

Diversity can bring a variety of new perspectives and experiences to the leadership team. That fresh input can help companies thrive by boosting innovation and revenue, attracting and retaining talent and appealing to inclusion-focused customers.

What is diversity in compliance?

Diversity is a component of compliance that’s more and more important as states implement corporate inclusivity laws. For example, in 2018 California enacted a law requiring publicly held California-based companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors by the end of 2019.

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