Student Diversity

Darlene Laguna

Every student is unique and every

classroom will be diverse.

Forms of Diversity in Todays

Classroom

Culture
Language
Gender
Exceptionalities

Culture
The knowledge, attitudes, values,
customs, and behavior patterns that
characterize a social group

Language
The written and spoken methods of
communication among people

Gender
The range of characteristics that
distinguish males and females.

Exceptionalities
Differences in students that results in
their needing special help to reach
their full potential.

Strategies to Build Relationships

with Diverse Learners
Bring in artifacts and books about
different cultures into your classroom
Learn more about the different
cultures of your students so you can
understand them
Provide images when possible to help
make a connection with a new word
or concept you are teaching

Strategies to Build Relationships

with Diverse Learners cont.
Attend seminars and workshops
about different cultures and/or
varying learning disabilities
Treat each student equally and have
high expectations for each so that
they will strive to reach their full
potential

Strategies for Accessing Learners

Prior Knowledge and Interests
Actively speak to students about
their hobbies, jobs, or history and
heritage
Ask your students during your lesson
if they can relate or have a similar
experience to what you are teaching
When introducing a new word or
concept, have students write down
what they think it means on the
board

Strategies to Encourage Learners to

Respect and Value Each Others
Differences

Ask students to bring in items and

speak about them
Encourage students to share and
celebrate their diverse backgrounds
Remind students to be respectful and
that there will be no tolerance for
discriminating
Arrange seating to mix students up
with each other every quarter

InTASC Standard 2, Learning

Differences
The teacher uses understanding of
individual differences and diverse
cultures and communities to ensure
inclusive learning environments that
enable each learner to meet high
standards.

References
Lynch, M.(2014). The Call to Teach: An
introduction to teaching. Upper Saddle River:
NJ: Pearson
Pearson Digital Library Videos-Lynch Chapter 2
A Look Inside 2.1: Creating a welcoming school
environment
Video: Wendy Nelson-Kauffman on Culturally
Responsive Teaching