Diversity in the 21st Century College Classroom

As universities become more inclusive, college classrooms have grown much more diverse. Today's students differ markedly in their class, ethnic, family, geographical, national, and racial backgrounds. They also vary in their sexual orientation, age, and learning styles, as well as in their religious and political beliefs. Students with learning and physical disabilities have become more common on college campuses.

Students from highly diverse backgrounds can bring fascinating and fresh perspectives into the classroom. But more than a few of these students feel unwelcome and experience subtle and not so subtle forms of bias.

Instructors must be highly sensitive to how easy it can be to unadvertently offend or alienate students. And they must be acutely conscious of the very different communication styles that students bring to class.

In a book entitled Tools for Teaching, Barbara Gross Davis offers a variety of principles that assist instructors in dealing with cultural diversity in the classroom: Here are a few examples of the advice that Davis offers:

1. Recognize that none of us are totally free from biases or cultural stereotypes.

Get to know your students as unique individuals and don't make assumptions about their attitudes, background, knowledge, or interests based on their name or appearance. Don't be paternalistic. And don't assume that your students are just like you: that they are familiar with the same cultural references or come from a similar class or family background.
In short, treat all students sensitively and fairly.

2. Be sensitive to language.

Words can be inflammatory. They can demean and offend. Be familiar with the words that specific ethnic and cultural groups prefer and those that they shun.

3. Study your classroom's atmosphere.

Do some of your students feel ill at ease in your classroom? Are you, or are the students, making them feel uncomfortable or embarrassed? Make sure that you create a positive learning environment.

4. Create an inclusive classroom where all students feel welcome.

Make it clear that you value all of your students' classroom contributions. In humanities and social science classes, you might incorporate texts that explore issues relevant to a pluralistic society.

5. Make sure that discussion is not dominated by more aggressive students.

Recognize that students have different communication styles and needs. Some students have a more assertive style of communication. Others are more reticent, regarding assertive behavior as pushy and disrespectful. All students should have the opportunity to have their voices heard.