Running head: The Benefits of Diversity Within the Classroom Watts 1

The Benefits of Diversity Within the Classroom

Wesleyan College
The Benefits of Diversity Within The Classroom Watts 2

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the benefits of diversity within the classroom. As

future educators, we have to look at the positives of teaching in the 21st century. There are

more children who look and maybe learn different than what people in history were used to.

It’s a vital part of being a teacher to address that diversity is emerging and we need to

acknowledge the goodness of it.

Throughout this paper, I will be addressing the benefits of a classroom being diverse

racially, maybe it could be the children’s learning styles, or even culture. They’re all important

components in managing a classroom and building relationships.

The Benefits of Diversity Within the Classroom

We always hear about what to do and what not to do in a classroom. But, what do we,

as educators or people, do when diversity enters the classroom? As a future educator, I want

to be able to value diversity in the classroom to make the children feel comfortable. Diversity

can range from race, learning styles, and even physical, cognitive, or affective disabilities.

However, the only way we can accommodate or appreciate their diversity is by knowing about

them. This paper will be about diversity in the classroom, and the information that I have

retrieved, pertaining to racial diversity, learning styles, physical, cognitive, and affective

disabilities, culture, and socio-economic status. Let’s take a dive into how diversity strengthens

a learning environment.

First, I want to touch bases with the impact of a racially diverse classroom. Racial

diversity is basically having different races and ethnic backgrounds in the same society. As we

all know, the start of somewhat “racial diversity” was when Brown v. Board of Education

became the breaking ground for integration in schools. Now, over sixty years later, you see all

shades of children in one classroom. Wells (2017) states, “There is increasing evidence that

‘diversity makes us smarter,’ a finding that selective colleges long ago embraced and increasing

numbers of young parents are coming to appreciate at the K–12 level” (Wells, Hall, Dudley,

2017). The educational realm went from not allowing children of different backgrounds being

in the same classroom, yet the same school, to them being in the same classrooms and schools,

and making them smarter and enhancing their learning. Besides the cognitive benefits of a

racially diverse classroom, students can be better educated on how to live and “navigate” as an

adult in a diverse society like ours, which employers think is an important skill (Wells, Hall,
The Benefits of Diversity Within The Classroom Watts 4

Dudley, 2017). Of course, you may ask, why is there such a huge emphasis on racial diversity

and its benefits now? Wells (2017) says, “For the first time, the K–12 student population in the

United States is less than 50 percent white, non-Hispanic.” With that being said, children, as

well as educators, have no choice but to benefit from a diverse classroom. In addition to that, in

this article, it’s careful with the terms used when associating school and diversity. They like to

use the term “integration” instead of “desegregation” to ensure people understand that it’s

more to racial diversity in the classroom than just having other races besides black and white

enroll into schools. It’s driven to be of “leading to greater mutual respect, understanding, and

empathy across racial lines” between students, as well as teachers and students (Wells, Hall,

Dudley, 2017). One of the biggest benefits of racial diversity in the classroom is the dismissal of

stereotyping and discrimination. As a student, or maybe even a teacher, you can learn from

those who have a different background from you. Also, kids would be more open-minded and

willing to partake in class discussions.

Race is one thing, but culture is another. Dr. Almitra Berry-Jones says, “When educators

think about diversity in the classroom, culture may be one of the characteristics that crosses

their mind. But as they select their curriculum and develop their lessons, most teachers are not

accounting for how culture will impact a student’s ability to participate and learn” (Pusey,

2018). In order to understand culture and its impact, you have to have a “student-first

mindset,” says Berry-Jones (Pusey, 2018).

“Culture is a social construct, not genetic, and most students have at least three: home,

peer, and school. The language and behaviors for each one is different, and for many students,

the language at home is so divergent that entering school is like going to a foreign country and
The Benefits of Diversity Within The Classroom Watts 5

speaking a new language. For example, students may come from a home in which children are

told to be seen and not heard, so speaking up and participating in class seems wrong to them”

(Pusey, 2018). That example in itself speaks volumes for me. I grew up in a household where

speaking up or expressing an opinion was thought as to be disrespectful if it was going against

my parents or grandparents. So, I was the kid who didn’t really talk or participate in things, or I

would have a question or an issue with something and I was afraid of being disrespectful.

Teachers confuse behavior disorders with the difference of culture at home versus at school

(Pusey, 2018). The best way that culture can have an impact, specifically achievement, is by

listening and speaking to the student. As an educator and a student, have a class climate that’s

open to new techniques and ideas, and give students the chance to take responsibility for their

education (Pusey, 2018).

Next, as an up and coming teacher, I want to make sure I can reach the needs of my

students and how they learn. I’m sure sometime in your life, especially the younger

generations, have taken a “Learning Style Quiz” to see what type of learner they are. The ones

that I remember we could be were: auditory (learning through hearing or music), visual

(learning through seeing or watching), and kinesthetic (learning through doing or moving).

But Literacy Planet (2017) talks about several types of learners and how they can make a

class come together. First, they explain auditory learners (also known as musical learners).

These students typically like to talk to themselves and others (Literacy Planet, 2017). If they

have a music class, then they’re going to have a blast. For other subjects, the teacher must find

ways to keep students engaged, such as working on your delivery, record lessons to listen to

later, and seating them away from distractions.

Next, they touch bases with visual/spatial learners. They learn best with charts,

diagrams, and concept maps. The best ways to engage them in the classroom is by: sitting them

in the front, using color codes and cues, and encouraging them to take notes or recopying notes

when they study (Literacy Planet, 2017).

Of course, there’s kinesthetic learners that love to do “hands-on” learning and interpret

subject matter better by doing. As an educator trying to engage the busy body, you need to

encourage them to move and don’t be so quick to punish them for being physical, maybe even

try to declutter desks and surfaces so they can focus primarily on subject matter (Literacy

Planet, 2017). Those are the main learners we hear about when we talk about learning styles.

The next few range from verbal to logical learning, which are styles that everyone may

not be familiar with. Verbal learning is when the student prefers reading and writing. Great

ways to capture their minds are by letting them do presentations or writing notes. Some may

like to talk while others like to stick to reading or writing, that’s why catering to their

preference is key (Literacy Planet, 2017).

Then there’s the logical or mathematical learner which leans toward math, science,

research, and programming, things of that nature, and they’re usually good with numbers. A

student with this type of learning style would “greatly appreciate any type of learning that

logically explains the subject at hand” (Literacy Planet, 2017). Using statistics and other logical

ways to attract the mind of a student who learns like this.

Social or interpersonal learners are somewhat like verbal learners, however, they like

working in groups and most are known to be extroverted. In order to keep the “Talking Toms”
The Benefits of Diversity Within The Classroom Watts 7

in check of what’s going on in class, you could allow them to be in groups and presentations.

Also, some may not be as extroverted as others and they may have a mixture of learning styles.

The opposite of this learning style is having a solitary or intrapersonal learner. “Solitary

learners can be visual, auditory, physical, verbal or logical learners” (Literacy Planet, 2017).

They enjoy doing independent work and being private. It could be a bit difficult to capture the

mind of an intrapersonal learners, but as an educator you can make being in the classroom

easier for them by having quiet areas, have visual aids on deck, and make sure they always feel

prepared by letting them share with others.

There are so many types of learners that roam within the classroom, it’s a great thing.

As a teacher, it’s great to have different brains to pick at. A “mixed learning approach” is

essential to a teacher who has all several types of learners, you could manage to intertwine

various ways in lessons to touch every child’s mind.

I’ve talked about races and types of learners within the classroom. What about the

children who have disabilities? A disability is the “result of conditions or impairments” (Smith,

2007, p. 6).The Understood Team (2019) talks about four benefits of inclusion classrooms. An

inclusive classroom is basically a class that has general education students and students with a

range of disabilities, whether it’s physical or mental, or perhaps both. The first benefit of a class

like this is that teachers work around their lesson plans and do “differentiated instruction” (The

Understood Team, 2019). Basically, you can create a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that

can apply to all students. Also, you can keep students interested in what’s going on in the class.

The second benefit of an inclusive classroom, is that you can “make differences less

‘different’” (The Understood Team, 2019).The Understood Team (2019) states, “Inclusive
The Benefits of Diversity Within The Classroom Watts 8

classrooms are filled with diverse learners, each of whom has strengths and challenges.

Inclusion gives kids a way to talk about how everyone learns in their own way. They may find

that they have more in common with other kids than they thought. This can go a long way in

helping kids know that difference is just a normal part of life. It can also help kids build and

maintain friendships.” A child with a disability will feel like they aren’t too much of an outsider

if they’re in a classroom full of others who may have the same interests or can help them with a

certain subject.

The third benefit is that it “provides support to all students” (The Understood Team,

2019). Usually, schools would “pull out” students for services if they are disabled. However, in

an inclusive classroom, all the support staff like, interpreters, reading specialists, and other

service personnel, can be in the classroom if it’s inclusive. These amazing people can give

teachers ideas and suggestions to help students who need assistance.

The fourth and final benefit is that with an inclusive classroom, it “creates high

expectations for all” (The Understood Team, 2019). When I read that, it made me think that the

disabled children could encourage the general education children to do what they need to do.

Or maybe if they see the general education students working hard, they’ll yearn to work hard as

they do to feel included, hence the type of class it is.

Diversity when it comes to disabilities is positive. From this article, it brings awesome

benefits to the classroom, especially when it’s inclusive. As an educator, you can learn not only

about the general education children; their strengths and challenges, but you can gain

knowledge as to how a student with a disability learns or goes about their day and build a

relationship.
The Benefits of Diversity Within The Classroom Watts 9

The last subject about diversity within the classroom is socioeconomic diversity. In this

article, it informs us that usually disadvantaged children or low-class are in failing schools,

according to President Trump (Kamenetz, 2017). Yet, Richard Kahlenberg, a senior fellow of the

Century Foundation, had a strategy to help those kids who aren’t so privileged

(Kamenetz,2017). His plan was to: “Give poor kids the opportunity to attend school with not-so-

poor kids” (Kamenets, 2017). I have a strong connection with this because I was an

underprivileged kid, I had to get the free lunch application every year, and I was the kid who

had a mom on food stamps, but I went to a school that was for kids who were somewhat

privileged. I had the same opportunities as they did, versus being in a school which was failing

and where I wouldn’t have flourished. A student’s socioeconomic status should never define

what they’re capable of.

In conclusion, diversity is a huge part of our world today, whether it’s throughout our

society or in our school systems. As a future educator, I want to make sure no matter where my

school is, what my students look like, their disabilities, abilities, or exceptionalities, how they

learn, or what their cultural or racial background is, I want to make sure my students feel like

they belong. If every child was normal, then class would be very boring.
The Benefits of Diversity Within The Classroom Watts 10

References

Kamenetz, A. (2017, March 16). How socioeconomic diversity in schools helps all

students. Retrieved from https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/47765/how-socioeconomic-

diversity-in-schools-helps-all-students.

Planet, L. (2017, October 9). How to engage the 7 types of learners in your classroom.

Retrieved from https://www.literacyplanet.com/au/news/engage-7-types-learners-classroom/.

Pusey, S. (2018, April 17). How does culture impact our ability to learn? Retrieved from

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2018/04/17/culture-impact-ability-learn/.

Smith, D. D. (2007). Introduction to special education: making a difference. Boston, MA:

Pearson /A and B.

Team, U. (2019, October 16). 4 benefits of inclusion classrooms. Retrieved from

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/treatments-

approaches/educational-strategies/4-benefits-of-inclusion-classrooms.

Wells, A. S., Wells, A. S., Mishory, J., Hall, S., Hall, S., Dudley, T., & Century Foundation.

(2017, April 3). How racially diverse schools and classrooms can benefit all students. Retrieved

from https://tcf.org/content/report/how-racially-diverse-schools-and-classrooms-can-benefit-

all-students/?agreed=1.