Cultural diversity in modern society

Education

Educating Diverse Children

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze the topic educating diverse students according to Zeichner's sixteen key elements of educating teachers for diversity. Specifically, it will explain each of the elements, and focus on the significance and implication of each element today. It will also discuss how these key elements apply to the 21st century learner, teacher, and total school environment.

The admissions procedures Zeichner identifies that "screen" education students do not take place in most universities. Students choose their majors for a variety of reasons, and I do not believe enough screening or diversity awareness takes place. This does not apply to any element of the modern educational experience.

I do believe that in modern education, there is more awareness to share different cultures and identities, and develop more awareness about other cultures in the educational environment, and this is a very positive step in educating diverse children.

5. I don't think there is enough education on the dynamics of prejudice and racism in the classroom, and there certainly is not education on the dynamics of privilege and economic oppression, or school practices that contribute to social inequities. I think some of this evolved in people through their own culture and awareness, but more could be done in the classroom to develop more awareness and thus more understanding.

6. I do not believe enough information is geared to histories and contributions of various ethno-cultural groups in teacher education, and I think this needs to change, as this is an element extremely important to anyone teaching in a diverse classroom.

7. I think students need to be given information about the characteristics and learning styles of various groups and individuals in the classroom so they know how to deal with each student's needs and perceptions. Again, I don't think enough of this is being done in the educational classroom.

9. I think the curriculum is growing and diversifying more in recent years, and that it does give more attention to sociocultural research about relationships among language, culture and the learning experience. I also think teachers have more procedures available today to gain information about the cultural communities in their classroom, and more teachers are becoming aware of how vital this information is to the learning experience.

10. I don't think enough attention is given to educating about methods used in the classroom and the preferred learning and interaction styles away from the classroom. I don't think a lot of teachers look at this effectively.

11. Students need to learn to assess and be sensitive to the cultural and language variations of their students, and they must know how to adapt them in the classroom or learning will be compromised.

12. I think that students must be exposed to successful examples of ethnic students to be effective in their own classrooms.

13. I also think that field experiences in the community are extremely necessary for success.

14. I don't think enough teachers complete their practicum or student teach in minority schools, and I think this area is underserved and not supported enough by administration and community in many areas.

15. I don't think many teachers would want immersion, living and teaching in a minority community, and I think this is far underserved in the educational community.

16. The group-setting model is very prevalent, and it does make for more challenge and support throughout college.

Almost all of these elements are extremely relevant to the 21st century learner, teacher, and total school environment. As classrooms become more diversified and unique, today's teachers must make more attempts to understand the different blends of students and cultures that fill their classroom, and educational curriculum is key to this basic understanding. Classrooms are not going to become less diverse, they will become even more diverse in the future, so this knowledge will have to continue to grow and change as diversity changes in America. For example, one writer notes, "For example, while it may not eliminate some gender beliefs, being aware of the attitudes and perceptions a teacher has about girls and boys and mathematics may diminish sex-segregated groups within the class during math activities" (Coballes-Vega, 1992). It is vital for teachers to learn how to become more aware of their own beliefs and values, and make sure these do not filter into the classroom in a negative way, and I think more curriculum needs to address these issues, as well.