Multiculturalism in the 21st century is the concept of combining inclusion, respect and acceptance to our varied diversities. Sounds simple, but it is not an easy challenge for colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Recognition of diversity is not the only facet of creating a multicultural community. The key difference in the 21st century multiculturalism is the concept that diversity must encompass the concept of inclusion. For decades we have been addressing diversity by embedding dissimilar players in campus situations; we have created a man-made form of diversity. Just by mingling these varied players together in assorted situations is not multiculturalism for the 21st century. The idea is a start, but society needs to continue to make strides forward. Keeping in mind that every classroom’s community norm is reflective of the occupants and their perspectives, defining the actual diversities is very fluid depending upon the inhabitants. With the introduction of someone new, we individually draw conclusions about the person and their diversities, but there are other diversities not initially visible. Every person has an individualized complex array of diversities in their unique structure. Visual diversity is the easiest to identify, but without truly knowing this person, we can only presume other diversities. Our personal preconceived philosophies influence our perspectives. Through learning about diversity, our minds can be opened and differences might not feel so uncomfortable. It is important to recognize that all human beings are unique and honor their individuality. This becomes the learning of multiculturalism. Diversity can be visually identified, with numerous sub-groups c... ... middle of paper ... ...rogress." Contemporary Issues in Education Research (Online) 6(3),289 -298. ProQuest. Talbert, P., (Fall 2012) Strategies to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates, Journal of Developmental Education 36.1. 22-24,26-29,31,33,36. Turner, C. S. (2013). Advancing diversity in higher education. Journal Of Diversity In Higher Education, 6(3), 155-157. National Association of diversity Officers in Higher Education. DOI 037/a0034356 Worthington, R., (2012), Advancing scholarship for the diversity imperative in higher education: an editorial, Journal of Diversity in Higher Education 2012, Vol. 5, No. 1, 1-7. DOI: 10.1037/a0027184 Make Your Business Stand Out; Diversity Advantage for Business (2013, Oct 24) Daily Bulletin. ProQuest . Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.mspp.idm.oclc.org/docview/1445039287/fulltext/141AE7BD2B314304877/9?accountid=34563
Spring, Joel H. “Chapter 6: Student Diversity.” American Education. Sixth ed. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 145. Print.
Selingo, Jeffrey. "New Study Questions Educational Benefits of Diversity." The Chronicle of Higher Education 49.29 (2003). Academic OneFile. Web. 9 Aug. 2011.
This article discusses the different forms of racial diversity contribution to students’ educational and learning experiences and the autonomous positive effects on students who adopt these diversity opportunities. The author demonstrates how the quality of higher education is substantially heightened by diversity-connected efforts. Those efforts improve students learning and experiences by cultivating key behaviors and knowledge and by providing a unique educational context.
By embracing, and not just celebrating diversity in our colleges, we can create a more broad, educated, and interesting view of the
Chang, Mitchell. "The Positive Educational Effects of Racial Diversity on Campus." ed.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2014.
Just because other perspectives are incorporated in the classroom, this doesn’t mean that everyone will become more understanding and appreciative of other cultures. When multicultural practices have rigorous standards, allow the advancement of social communications with other cultures, and allow the advancement social justice concepts both inside and outside of the classroom, this is when students will become more appreciative of other cultures (Ladson-Billings, 1995, p.162).
When diversity is being discussed, there are a plethora of ideas that are associated with it. Whether people are talking being put on a waitlist for college, about people of color, or about representation in the media, the subject of diversity is not rare. Recently, the conversation of diversity has become more common because colleges want to demonstrate that they have diversified campus. How would diversity on campus be defined? Most importantly, diversity is more than having an extraordinary personality. Race, gender, sexuality, and social status are a few of the superfluous traits that make an individual unique in a college’s eyes. In Sophia Kerby’s article, “10 Reasons Why We Need Diversity on College Campuses”, she notes that, while there has already been an effort to diversify high schools and middle schools, accepting students of different backgrounds is not as apparent in higher education (1) . A university desires to diversify its campus in order to benefit the students that are attending the college. Students are not only likely to improve
Diversity management initiatives are long term and strategic in focus. They strive not only to recruit, but to actively develop, promote and capitalize on the different skills and perspectives of minority employees (Marquis, 2007.) Every day, peopl...
Diversity in a university is so important. First of all “diversity enriches the educational experience”. Students are able to learn from one another’s experiences. Also diversity helps maturity through most students. With diversity, students are able to learn about the other people’s experiences and are able to break down the stereotypical “walls” that our country has built. While students are breaking down these stereotypical “walls”, students will be able to effectively communicate with others of various backgrounds. As students learn about each other’s hardships or success, they will be capable of reaching a state of mutual respect for one another(On the Importance). “The higher education community stands committed to furthering the goals of equal opportunity and diversity on college...
This essay will be arguing that colleges and universities should promote more efforts to diversify and create equal representation of all students. Attending higher education institution for minorities has been an uneasy struggle and one that few minorities accomplish. The dilemma of African American enrollment for example, in a college lecture hall at Texas A&M containing 250 seats, only a maximum 4 out of 250 seats will contain African American students. Unfortunately, many institutions are similar to Texas A&M University, they have an underrepresentation of minorities their on campus in relationship to white students. The lack of diversity keeps stigmas associated with racism relevant and disregards the demographic representation of minorities in America disabling students from identifying with different cultures. There’s evidence from scholars such as Elizabeth Smith and Emilia Plonska, students and instructors that validate in order to promote unity and knowledge of all cultures institutions must promote integration of minorities and increase attendance. Many minorities fail to complete their journeys in higher education which results in unequal representation, segregated environments and unprivileged minorities receiving the benefits of a quality post-secondary education offered at prestige Universities like Texas A&M and UCLA
Sciame-Giesecke, S., Roden, D., & Parkison, K. (2009). Infusing diversity into the curriculum: What are faculty members actually doing?. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 2, 156-165.
As we proceed further into the 21st century, multiculturalism becomes more relevant to obtaining a truly global society. Dr. James A. Banks defines the meaning of multicultural education and its potential impact on society when it is truly integrated into American classrooms. In his lecture, Democracy, Diversity and Social Justice: Education in a Global Age, Banks (2006) defines the five dimensions of multicultural education that serve as a guide to school reform when trying to implement multicultural education (Banks 2010). The goal of multicultural education is to encourage students to value their own cultures and the diverse cultures of those around them without politicizing their differences but rather, as Banks passionately explains in his lecture, “to actualize the ideals stated in the Constitution” (2006) forming “civil, moral, and just communities.”
Students in the United States experience varying degrees of Multicultural Education. To my benefit, I was brought up in a learning environment that was culturally accepting and engaging. I was enrolled in the Franklin Pierce School District for my entire public education career and at Pierce College during my last two years of high school. Since the beginning of my academic career, I’ve been exposed to a learning environment filled with a rich amount of diversity among students which in turn produced well-roundedness in myself. In my experience as a FPSD student, I’ve shared experiences with fellow peers of different races, cultures, and socioeconomic standings. Pierce College boasts an even more specific type of diversity within the student
The concepts included in providing a more diverse, multicultural education are requiring teachers to review their own issues and prejudices while expanding their knowledge of the many cultures that make up the classroom. These efforts help the educator recognize the various individual and cultural differences of each student, as well as gain an understanding on how these differences impact the learning process. The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon individual and cultural difference research and why diverse students struggle to succeed in school. Furthermore, I will share some instructional approaches I could implement in the classroom to accommodate diverse students. Finally, I will discuss the responsibility of educators in addressing the issue of how our o...
I believe it is important to first analyze the word diversity when examining the need for diversity within a classroom. According to Webster's New Pocket Dictionary, diversity means variety, a number of different kinds. I often discuss and read about diversity in terms of cultural backgrounds; the unification of histories and stories from people from all over the world. Although, I believe that in a higher-educational setting, diversity can also be discussed as the acceptance of the various minds within a classroom. I believe that it is important to recognize the thoughts and experiences of others in a learning environment. Collectively, students learn from teachers, teachers learn from students, and students learn from their peers. By allowing diversity within the classroom, a sense of community can develop. Diversity encourages an active, not passive, learning style. I believe that the culture of Columbia College Chicago is dependent on diversity. The motto “Create Change,” suggests students actively seek the change they want to see in the world. In order to obtain change a community developed out of diversity must be discovered.