EDL 822 GCU Trends and Issues in K12 Education Discussion – Description
Weekly Overview and the Integration of Faith and Learning – Diversity in the Classroom
Class,
When we talk about diversity in education, we must understand that it is not just a “buzz” word or “hot topic”. We truly must acknowledge that it does exist and that it is something that we must focus on. According to Graham et al., (2014) diversity within classmates and friends helps students feel less vulnerable, less lonely, and safer. Not only does study diversity directly impact their performance (Hansen & Eller, 2012) but it also helps to teach the life skills that ultimately, we are attempting to create in our students including –
1. Fostering empathy by promoting awareness and creating personal connections with people from different backgrounds. Students often can see that although their classmate might physically look different than them, that they often have some of the same experiences and this can also foster an understanding of different viewpoints.
2. Inspiring creativity and new perspective as the essence of creativity is to bring together a variety of ideas or perspectives and transform them into something new. Exposure to a variety of perspectives leads to more critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
3. Preparing students for the world by helping to bridge cultural gaps that promote peach, drive development, and ensure more stability within the global workplace. Research has shown that students who learn about diversity and often more cultural differences and interact more positively with a wider range of social and cultural groups.
Now we examine diversity through a Christian worldview, the Bible has a lot to say on the subject –
Acts 17:26 – “From one man God made every nation of the human race”
Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another”.
Colossians 3:11 – “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free: but Christ is all, and in all”.
I Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Churst, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you would be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
How does a Christian worldview, effect your view of diversity within the classroom? Why is it important to view this through the lens of a Christian worldview? What are the implications for you as and educational leader?
Dr. Davis
References
Graham, S., Munniksma, A., & Juvonen, J. (2014). Psychosocial benefits of cross-ethnic friendships in urban middle schools, Child Development, 85(2), 499-483.
Hensen, K. & Eller, B., (2012). Educational psychology (2nd ed.).Kendall Hunt Publishing
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