Creating an environment that values and respects differences among students is essential to respecting diversity in the classroom. Unfortunately, many people face barriers to success due to their disability, ethnicity, gender, spiritual practices, orientation, social location, or race.
In this post, I will share with you some broadly applicable steps you can take to foster diveristy and inclusion in your classroom.
Some ways to achieve safe and inclusive classrooms include:
1. Inclusive curriculum: Incorporating diverse perspectives, experiences, and histories into the curriculum can help students better understand the world around them and appreciate the differences among their peers. Do your students know where each other's ancestors are from? What is a typical favorite pastime? How can you help your students investigate the values taught at home compared to their dreams and aspirations?
2. Inclusive language: Using inclusive language, such as avoiding gendered language, using person-first language, and avoiding stereotyping, can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. For example, what are your pronouns? Mine are she/they, and I use "them" interchangeably with "her."
3. Safe and supportive environment: Creating a safe and supportive environment where all students feel valued and respected is critical to promoting diversity in the classroom. This can include addressing bullying or derogatory comments and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. All beings are worthy of dignity and respect. How can your classroom foster respectful conduct through improved communication strategies? What reconciliation practices are modeled for students experiencing peer-to-peer conflict?
More specifically, we can explore the social model of disability and how this approach can improve student engagement, performance, and positive learning outcomes.
Regarding the social model of disability approach, it is unique because it views disability as a social construct rather than a medical condition. This approach recognizes that societal and environmental barriers, such as inaccessible buildings or attitudes towards people with disabilities, prevent full participation in society. By removing these barriers and promoting inclusivity, the social model empowers people with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life. In the classroom, this approach would involve creating an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This could include providing accommodations, such as accessible materials or assistive technology, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect. By embracing the social model of disability, classrooms can become more welcoming and accessible for all students.
The ADA has made great strides in improving the quality of life for disabled students; previously, students with disabilities were not allowed to enter public school. They were home-schooled or left uneducated before the signing of the 1990 ADA by late President George H. Bush. Without the ADA, public school systems would have no funding for special education or learning support services. There is still work to be done to achieve and equitable education system.
It takes bravery and authenticity to challenge broken systems and bring about change from within. Consider ways you can broaden your perspective and make a positive impact
My name is Caroline, and I am passionate about facilitating learning and enrichment experiences that promote well-being and personal growth through evidence-based research, mindfulness strategies, yoga, and storytelling. Throughout my journey as a social scientist, I have learned that staying true to my values and authentic voice is crucial, even if it means taking new paths. I also believe that it takes bravery and authenticity to challenge broken systems and bring about change from within. Unfortunately, many people face barriers to success due to their disability, ethnicity, gender, orientation, social location, or race. This oppressive fixed mindset is a dangerous obstacle to supporting the most vulnerable in our community. We must tap into the potential of all people and free humanity's collective knowledge. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive while learning, not just survive.
Comments