Cultural Diversity in the Classroom

I remember having a discussion in history class, and something the Professor said that I remembered was, “everyone just wants to be heard and understood”. I believe this statement expresses why, it is important to teach cultural diversity in the classroom. Three positive results can come from exposing students to different cultures; it creates a safe productive learning environment, students can broaden their experiences, and students see that even though they are different they all have commonalities.

If every student feels respected and understood it creates a safe learning environment. A child with a strong self esteem is less likely to feel disenfranchised and express anger towards others. A teacher who builds a classroom free of sexism, racism, and discrimination can prove that a truly democratic environment can be a creative and productive one where students can exchange ideas and work together.

Students who are exposed to other cultures have a chance to broaden their experiences, not unlike those who have had an opportunity to travel. A teacher who understands the importance of cultural diversity in the classroom and what discourages it can give students new knowledge to draw from.

As students learn about different cultures, they will also see that as people we are all not that different. The need to discourage stereotyping and prejudice would not be necessary, students’ exposure to other cultures would erase fear, and inevitably show how we are all connected and even have similar goals.

Let us be practical for a moment, we live in a very global world, it is imperative we get along with other nations, to ensure productive business and trade, technology to improve our lives as well as health and well being. Teaching cultural diversity in the classroom just makes sense.