Embracing Diversity: Building Inclusive Classrooms

Working in multicultural classrooms is today's reality for every instructor. Rogahang et al. (2024) state that education is evolving, with inclusivity becoming a key focus. Integrating students of all abilities and backgrounds into mainstream classrooms fosters equity and enriches the learning environment. Identifying all the subtle nuances of each classroom's environment helps to establish a better connection between the learners and the instructor. Although Brookfield (2015) says that "diversity can never be fully addressed to the satisfaction of all involved" (p. 108), the goal is to constantly try to meet as many students' needs as possible.

Among many ways to support diversity in the classroom, I consider the three most important:

1. Re-evaluating teaching materials to make them accessible and acceptable for many cultural differences and backgrounds. This also includes designing learning activities that allow for multiple ways to participate.

2. Check the accessibility element so that all the content, material, and assignments can be quickly gained, reached, and completed comfortably for diverse learners. 

3. Be aware of your own biases. The must-asked questions for an instructor are "What are my implicit (or explicit) biases?" (Johnson-Myers, 2024) and "Do I propagate, neutralize, or challenge stereotypes in my class?" (Johnson-Myers, 2024). Addressing these questions occasionally helps to keep a critical look at my styles and approaches, constantly checking their acceptance in terms of inclusiveness.  

References

Brookfield, S. D. (2015). The skillful teacher: On technique, trust, and responsiveness in the classroom. John Wiley & Sons.Johnson-Myers, T.-A. (2024, August 13). A guide for inclusive teaching. Queen's University Faculty of Education. 

https://educ.queensu.ca/community/equity-diversity-inclusion-decolonization-indigenization-accessibility-and-anti-racism/Guide-for-Inclusive-Teaching

Rogahang, S. S., Paramansyah, A., Zaelani, K., Iqbal, M., & Judijanto, L. (2024). Inclusive Education Practices: Fostering Diversity and Equity in the Classroom. Global International Journal of Innovative Research, 1(3), 260-266.