Diversity
Since taking classes at WCU and going through different Diversity topics in my courses, I have realized that I didn’t know about all of the different forms of diversity. I was not exposed to very much diversity in my small hometown, and I quickly realized that when I arrived at Western Carolina University. I have attended many diversity events and had professors discuss this topic with our classes. I have noticed that I now understand all of the diversity around me, much more than I ever have. I am much more aware that there are so many people that have to experience stereotypes and prejudices that even I myself had before I was educated on the topic, whether it be racial, cultural, religious, sexual orientation, or disabilities. I will admit that coming out of high school I had an awful attitude towards the diversity I experienced when I came to college. I am honestly ashamed to look back at how close-minded I used to be. Now, I make it a goal to make sure to include everyone and make everyone feel welcome in whatever space we are in. I have hopes for my future students that I can be a role model for them in learning to accept and love those around you, despite your differences.
I believe it is very important to visually see all of the multiple forms that diversity comes in. There are way more than I ever realized. This is something I will experience as an educator, and being informed on these will benefit both my students and myself.
(Petterson, 2016)
(Bass, PhD & Lawrence-Riddle, 2020)
These changes in my view of diversity will help me in many ways as an educator. It will help me meet the needs of all of my students, because I have been exposed to all kinds of people with different backgrounds, beliefs, views, and more. This will help me because I will be able to better understand what my students are going through. I will be respectful of anything they tell me, so that they feel comfortable around me and that I can be someone they turn to in difficult times. I want my students to feel as though they can be whoever they want to be in my classroom, so I will love them no matter what. Which is what the world should do for everyone.
This website has good information and facts on why diversity is important in the classroom, with videos as well. This is one video I appreciated on here.
(Kampen, 2019)
There are many ways that I can incorporate an intercultural approach to teaching that will provide global awareness in my future classroom. Some different things that I can do is first and foremost, understand my students. Get to know them personally, not just as my student. Then, I can help my students acknowledge and understand differences among us. We will celebrate our diversity. I can also incorporate global stories and lessons into my curriculum to give my students more exposure than I had growing up. I want my students to leave my classroom knowing that there are many differences in the world, and that it is okay that people are different than us.
This is especially important to me because I am an Inclusive Education major. Most of my focus has been on including persons with disabilities in my classroom, and hoping my students will be open to that. However, this pertains to all kinds of diversity, even past disabilities.
Click the button to be directed to my citations for this page.
(Pearson, 2016)