Different Types of Diversity in the Classroom and Teaching as a Complex Activity in the View of Diversity in Classroom 

Back to: Learning and Teaching – Unit 4

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.

Different Types of Diversity in the Classroom

The different types of diversity in the classroom are:

Race

Students of different skin colors will be present in the class such as fair, dark, or tan.

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.

Religion

Students following different religions and having beliefs in different God will be present in the classroom such as Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian.

Language

Not all students will speak the same language. Their mother tongue 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 which is diverse in itself.

Teaching as a Complex Activity in the View of Diversity in Classroom

Clash of Opinions

As students will have different values and beliefs, there might be disagreement among the students regarding their ideas and opinions.

Teaching Styles

The techniques and methods a teacher may use to teach in the class may be liked by one and disliked by another. A teacher is supposed to make each student satisfied with his/her teaching.

Difficult in Promoting Teamwork

Due to the students’ differences in opinions and beliefs, it may get difficult for the teacher to make the students work as a team and give them group activities.

These are the challenges a teacher might face due to diversity in the classroom. But diversity will also help students learn from each other and have compassion for one another’s religion and culture.