"Students learn what they live. A classroom organized along democratic principles is the best way of teaching democracy. Students should also understand that the outside world is diverse, even if their classroom is not. And given the mobility of modern life, they're probably going to encounter diversity wherever they go, so it's important to develop the skills to relate to people who are different." -- Cherry McGee Banks, Professor of Education, University of Washington, Bothell
Wrestling with the Issue
How can classroom set-up and visual aids promote unity and diversity?
How do you ensure that students connect democratic practices in the classroom with those in the community?
How do you teach the skills and knowledge needed to relate to different people?
Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
"I want students to realize that the world is much bigger than their neighborhood and much more diverse and interesting than they could ever imagine.... That knowledge will foster the desire to learn more about other cultures." -- Gwen Larsen, Sixth-Grade Social Studies Teacher, Dorchester, Massachusetts
Wrestling with the Issue
Why is it important to teach students about the world beyond their community?
How do you foster the concept of unity in a classroom where diversity is the primary focus?
How would you introduce students to cultures that are represented or not represented in their classroom?
Linguistic and Learning Diversity
"Students learn in different ways. But if you are familiar with different ways of delivering the curriculum, you will be more likely to reach the full range of students." -- Cherry McGee Banks, Professor of Education, University of Washington, Bothell
Wrestling with the Issue
What strategies do you use to accommodate linguistic and learning diversity?
How can instruction be designed to benefit students at all skill levels?
What are the risks and rewards of highlighting learning differences?
