Diversity in the classroom

1. Diversity in the Classroom Delores Harris November,2013 “To keep the Golden Rule we must put ourselves in other people’s places. If we had the imagination to do that. . .fewer bitter judgments would pass our lips, fewer racial, national, and class prejudices would stain our lives.” ---Harry Emerson Fosdick

2. Student teachers should : Identify at least four (4) diversities in the Jamaican society. Define the term diversity . Identify five (5) diversities in the Jamaican classroom . Develop an understanding of attitudes towards diversity. Evaluate how beliefs about these issues impact on behavior impact on the Jamaican classroom . Reflect on and share experiences, memories of diversity in the classroom. Examine strategies for managing diversity in the classroom. Instructional objectives

3. Definition of Diversity The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences.

4. Diversity.… It includes knowing how to relate to those qualities and conditions that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong yet are present in other individuals and groups .. We acknowledge that categories of difference are not always fixed but also can be fluid We respect individual rights to self-identification, and we recognize that no one culture is intrinsically superior to another .

5. It is the exploration of these difference in a safe and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimension of diversity contained within each individual

6. Diversity in Jamaica

7. Diversity in Jamaican Society Gender Social class/socio-economic factors Religions Geographical location (Access, Equality, Equity)

8. Diversity in Jamaica resulted from slavery:- the coming of Africans to work on sugar plantations Emancipation - the coming of the east Indians to work in the Caribbean Result –an island with many races, cultures, beliefs, values and interests Diversity in Jamaican Society historical perspective

9. Races/ Ethnic Groups Religious groups Social groups Africans Christians Upper Chinese Buddhism Middle Indians Hindus Low Jews Judaism Syrians Muslims Lebanese Rastafarians Jamaica’s Diversity Profile

10. Poverty, often results in crime Different family types e.g. simple-parent households often headed by a female Teenage mothers and fathers Abused children Issues of Diversity in Jamaican Society

11. Racial/ social/color class Cultural Sexual Gender role/Socialization Exceptionalities (gifted Students, at-risk students) Issues of diversities in Jamaican classroom

12. Festivals and celebrations Dress Cuisine Rites of passages e.g. birth , death and the coming of age rituals Language music Cultural Differences

13. Equity Fairness: actions, treatment of others, or a general condition characterized by justice, fairness, and impartiality. Access entry or approach: a means of entering or approaching a place. opportunity for use: the opportunity or right to experience or make use of something. right to meet somebody: the opportunity to meet somebody. Equality State of being equal: rights, treatment, quantity, or value equal to all others in a specific group. the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something. Definition: Access, Equality, Equity

14. Behaviors and attitudes related to diversity in the classroom Prejudices/biases Opinion formed beforehand: a preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes I rrational dislike of somebody: an unfounded hatred, fear, or mistrust of a person or group, especially one of a p articular religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual preference, or social status

15. Stereotyping Reduce somebody to oversimplified category: to categorize individuals or groups according to an oversimplified standardized image or idea. Gender stereotypes are broad categories that reflect impressions and beliefs about behaviour for females and males Labels and the effect they have on students self esteem and self concept Behaviours and attitudes related to diversity in the classroom

16. Career orientation and subject selection Socially sensitive issues Professional counseling Peer counseling Managing diversity in the classroom

17. Managing diversity in the classroom Identify your own attitudes toward diversity . Establish an environment where everyone feels comfortable (non-threatening) . Get to know your student Don’t make assumptions Value all children in your care and talk to them all in the same tone of vice and use the same kind of words. . Avoid stereotypes-all jobs in the classroom should be done by both classes. Use group work and cooperative learning- that works to improve relations and create friendships between the to (2) sexes. Treat everyone equally-give equal time re your attention, questioning and participation in class activities

18. “ Aggressive fighting for the right is the greatest sport in the world.” ---Theodore Roosevelt