Diversity of Learners

One thing I learned during this practice teaching journey is, as a teacher must effectively face and embrace the realities that come with living and working in a diverse school, community, and country. 

Diversity is anything that differentiates individuals from one another. This encompasses a wide range of variables, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, ability, age, religious conviction, or political ideology. Each of these factors influences how pupils (and teachers, and everyone else) view the world.  Aside from that, diversity applies to our pupils as well. Pupils benefit from diversity in the classroom by growing their social awareness, which enables them to respect the perspectives and opinions of others and create more wise decisions. Moreover, it teaches pupils how to engage socially with their peers and provides them with skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. The simple ways that I have utilized during the practice teaching to promote and respect diversity and to remove any indicators of inequality inside and outside our classroom are; demonstrating acceptance and inclusiveness, using language that encourages positivism, and avoiding reinforcing misconceptions that already exist (for example stereotypes), and immediately and effectively respond to offensive remarks or behavior. 

I strongly believe that a teacher who encourages diversity in the classroom might result in a positive impact on the school community. When this happens, a safe, encouraging, and fulfilling environment for students and staff, will enable young learners to succeed in both their academic and social lives.