Cultural Diversity: Acknowledging and Incorporating Within Education

Education is a universal right to all people across the world. There is a fundamental
similarity between all students in that each sincerely wants to learn and succeed in their studies.
Although there is a common goal shared, it is imperative for educators to understand that not all
learners come from the similar situations. Some students come from different countries and have
distinctive cultural backgrounds. Teachers who have the proper knowledge in cultural diversity
are more able to teach and understand students according to their respective backgrounds.
Teachers must be exposed in college to social awareness, sensitivity, and cultural knowledge.
While tutoring ESL students at Jeanette Junior High School, the main diverse culture was
Middle Eastern. Students did not understand what was being taught throughout the classroom
because of their lack of cultural diversity. These minority students come to America and are
presented with many social and cultural barriers. When they enter this atmosphere with very little
recognition of their native culture, this can cause them anxiety in the classroom. For example,
when a teacher asked students for opinions on a certain topic, they were astonished that their
input was respected. This type of communication within the classroom is typically unheard of in
the Middle East. In a conventional classroom in the Middle East, the instructor controls all
aspects of learning with very little input from his or her students, if any. A student, someone of a
younger age, is not permitted to sharing his or her idea with the instructor. When an institution is
more culturally diverse, it provides a comfortable environment for every student to participate.
Being aware of every culture eliminates the majority of barriers that restrict students from
understanding or interacting with their classmates that possess a diverse culture. Teachers who
are aware of the many different cultural possibilities allow students to feel appreciated and
respected.

Educators must learn about the cultural identities of their students. They should be aware
of the level of English proficiency of each student and be made aware of any of those who may
struggle. Educators that are mindful and incorporate different cultural backgrounds within their
classrooms display a great respect and appreciation to these diverse students, which will help to
not leave them behind their peers. The organization for todays classrooms must reflect the
diversity of our students and must contain a wide variety of instructional resources and
strategies.