Types of Diversity in Indian Society and its Educational Implications
Back to: Contemporary India and Education-Unit 1
Diversity means a combination of different social backgrounds, races, cultures, ethnicity, gender, religion, and different languages. Diversity is seen in the classroom too. Diversity in the classroom may even be related to the varying intellectual abilities and social skills of the students. Having diversity in the classroom helps students understand each other’s culture, language, and religion. Through diversity, a new perspective will be brought into the classroom.
Types of Diversity in Indian Society
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Religion
- Language
- Gender
- Social Backgrounds
- Cognitive Abilities
- Home Environment
- Learning Styles
- Individual Differences
Educational Implications of Diversity in Indian Society
India is known for its diversity so it is only natural for classrooms to have diverse students. The various types of diversity in Indian society in the context of education and its educational implications are as follows.
Race
Students of different races and colors may be there in the class. Children of various colors such as fair, dark, or tan will be present in the classroom. The teacher has to make sure that they are not prejudiced and treat everyone equally.
Ethnicity
Students in the class will not have the same values and beliefs. Each will follow their own set of norms and interests in society. Teachers must encourage learners to respect different ethnicities so that learners can learn how to live in peace and harmony.
Religion
Students following different religions and having beliefs in different God will be present in the classroom such as Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian. Teachers should encourage learners to avoid getting into religious disputes and respect different religious beliefs.
Language
Not all students will speak the same language. Their mother tongues might be different such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and more. The students will communicate with each other in their second language, English.
Gender
In a co-educational school, both girls and boys will be present in the class, and those form one type of diversity seen inside the classroom. Teachers must avoid being biased towards a particular gender.
Social Backgrounds
Students may come from different backgrounds. Some may belong to the high class while some may belong to the middle class or lower class. Teachers should ensure that there is no discrimination inside the classroom on this basis.
Cognitive Abilities
Students do not have the same learning abilities. Some learners may grasp the concept quickly while some may grasp the same concept slowly. Some may be good at solving mathematical problems while some may be good at remembering historical facts.
Home Environment
Learners come from different homes. Some may come from a positive home environment while some may have to put up with a negative home environment. Hence, teachers should try to understand the learners.
Learning Styles
Learners have different learning styles. Some can learn by writing while some can grasp knowledge faster through listening or reading. Hence, in the classroom, teachers must use all four LSRW skills to cater to every learner’s learning style.
Individual Differences
Individuals may have different interests and therefore, not everyone may be inclined towards academic education. Some may be more inclined towards sports or cultural activities. Therefore, equal attention must be paid to all areas of interest.
Diversity enables students to learn from each other and have compassion for one another’s religion and culture. For a teacher to teach effectively and for students to work as a team, understanding each learner in every aspect is essential. This will lead to the development of healthy relationships among the classmates and a good atmosphere in the classroom.
