Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
When I was growing up, there were always some classmates who were just a little bit different from everyone else. It's not that there was anything wrong with these other students, but they were "unique." They were culturally diverse, and that made them stand out. Some of them came from other countries, and others were from my home country but their parents had come from other countries. Because of that, their culture was different from mine and from the culture that was shared by many of the other students. Some also clearly had much more money than other students, and some were learning my language as a second language. That certainly made them stand out. No matter what was different about them, they were all singled out for one of two behaviors: being ignored, or being bullied. The school didn't really address the differences between students in the proper way, so as to avoid bad behaviors. Still, the school did work with the students who weren't used to the language so that they could learn it more quickly and keep up with their peers.
That was one of the most important things for the students - that they all were able to communicate with one another. Unfortunately, the school administration and some the teachers mainly ignored what was going on all around them, and didn't do anything to make the children who were racially and culturally different feel more welcome. It can be hard to relate to someone who is very different from you, but that doesn't mean the building of that relationship shouldn't be attempted. The differences in people should be applauded...
They just want to fit in and be accepted, so they can enjoy their time at school and make new friends in a new place that's unfamiliar to them.
When teaching to a group of students who are very diverse in all kinds of different ways, there are ways to help everyone reach their fullest potential. It's often not possible for each student to be completely accepted at the same level, because some people simply don't get along well with certain other people. However, that doesn't mean these students can't be taught respect for differences and the value of diversity. In teaching a class of diverse learners, I would want a curriculum that used those differences. In other words, there's no reason why these students can't learn English and anything else through lessons that incorporate the value of differences, of teamwork, and of understanding. Any curriculum can (and should) include those things. That not only helps the students who aren't "different" to accept those who are, but it also helps the students who "stand out" to feel more comfortable and want to get involved in their new school and classroom.
The teaching methods and interactions that are had with parents and children are also very important. If a teacher singles out a student - good or bad - it's very likely the other students will do the same. It can be hard not to "play favorites" if there is a child that isn't popular…
