Diversity+Lesson

=Classroom Diversity: The what, where, who, when, and how's.=

What is Diversity?
What is diversity exactly? Diversity stems from the word diverse, meaning of a different kind, form, character, etc. Ultimately being different in one way or form makes you diverse. Diversity can be broken down into many categories, especially since we are not all grey blobs who do the exact same thing everyday of our lives. People share common interests and have different points of view. These all can be categorized into groups of diversity. (Flinders & Bowers)

[|Diversity Video]



Where is Diversity Found in the Schools?
Diversity if found throughout the entire aspect of school. The difference between the students age is diversity; the difference between the level of courses; sports teams and organizations are all apart of the schools diversity. (Howatt)

When did Diversity Begin?
Diversity has always been around in the schools. However, the types of diversity are always changing. Like the times and the fads, new ideas and techniques are always evolving; consequently, diversity is also included in this evolution. (Obikar)

Who is Affected by Diversity?
Students? Teachers? Administration? Parents? Of this list who is really affected by diversity? All of them, the topic of diversity excludes no one. Even though diversity is about differences that single a group out from the rest of the world, everyone in the school is affected by it. Students are usually the participants, they are the main source of the diversity. Teachers are the observers: they see all the types of diversity in the class; and authoritarians: they address the diversity in the class. Administrators are the ultimatums: they have the final say on how to deal with the diversity problems that arise in the schools. Parents are the origins: this is where the diversity stems from. (readwritethink)

How can we address diversity in the classroom?
Now to the main point of the lesson: addressing diversity in the classroom. How are we as future teachers going to deal with the different types of diversity? Through our research, and a couple of great interviews we believe we have found sufficient methods to help deal with diversity. Mr. Ronald, Andrew's mentor teacher, brings up a few good points. Mr. Ronald says to address the diversity up front, do not just push it aside. As a teacher you have to be open to diversity, welcome any and all to your classroom. When Mr. Ronald and Mr. Howatt, Ben's mentor teacher, talk about the types of diversity they find in their classroom they both brought up these classes of diversity: ethnicity, SES, and social groups. The biggest factor Mr. Howatt believes is the social groups. The social groups fall within the usual groups: jocks, preps, goths, geeks, social misfits, etc. Dealing with these groups can benefit your class, since they give teachers great topics that can relate to the material. A great example is the jocks, Mr. Howatt is able to relate mathematical equations to the scores and statistics of the sport the jocks are in. Ethnic backgrounds are another big part in the schools: not so much in Maine, but big in schools across the country. So a way to embrace ethnicity is to leave the class. (Suite101.com) Take the students on a field trip to a place where ethnic cultures are embraced and discuss. Show your students culture as history not as exotic or arbitrary lifestyles. (salisbury.edu) What are some ways you could relate your content area to the social groups, ethnicity, or to the other types of diversity found in the schools. Just remember, diversity can be a real helpful tool in the class, since it can help the students relate to the subject matter even more.
 * So should we eliminate diversity, or embrace it in our class?**
 * How can you use diversity to your help further a better understanding for students?**
 * These are just some questions to go by while you are typing in your blog on how you would deal with diversity.**
 * Teams || ComicLife ||
 * Jason and Nick || [[file:Sports Fanatics Diversity Comic.comicdoc]] ||
 * Marcy and Cam || [[file:diversity.comicdoc]] ||
 * Dani and Lindsey || [[file:Diversity in the Classroom.comicdoc]] ||
 * Andrew, Lizzie, Ted || [|Page_1.jpg], [|Page_2.jpg], [|Page_3.jpg] ||


 * Name || Blog posting ||
 * Andrew ||  ||
 * Cam ||  ||
 * Dani ||  ||
 * Jason || [] ||
 * Jenna ||  ||
 * Lindsey ||  ||
 * Lizzie ||  ||
 * Marcy ||  ||
 * Nick ||  ||
 * Ted ||  ||