STUDENT
DIVERSITY
IN MOTIVATION
INDIVIDUAL
DIFFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
You've probably heard someone say,
"Everyone is unique." , Thought it sounds
really like cliche, one cannot ignore the
truth in it. As a facilitator of learning,
teacher is tasked to consider the
individual differences among the students
in planning for effective learning.
ADVANCE ORGANIZER
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
(Student Diversity)
Individual Differences Benefits of Diversity in Classroom Strategies
Factors the Classroom for Students Diversity
FACTORS THAT BRING ABOUT
STUDENT DIVERSITY
In all learning environments, individual interact
with others who are in some ways different
from them. Recall how these differences were
shown in your class tally -- gender and racial,
ethnic or cultural background (nationality,
province, language). This diversity also comes
from other factors like the following:
1. Socioeconomic Status - The millionaire's lifestyle from
that of the middle income or lower income's group.
2. Thinking/ learning style - Some of you learn better by
seeing something; others by just listening; and still
others by manipulating something. (you will learn this in
Module 5)
3. Exceptionalities - In this class
there maybe one who has difficulty in
spoken language comprehension or
in seeing, hearing, etc.
HOW STUDENT DIVERSITY ENRRCHEST THE
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
A teacher maybe challenged, to handle a class with students so diverse.
There may be students having different cultural background, different
language abilities, different attitudes and aptitudes and behaviors. Some
teachers might see this diversity as a difficult predicament, really a
hassle.! Yet a more reflective teacher may see a diverse classroom as an
exciting place to learn not just for her students, but for herself, as well. A
wise teacher may choose to respect and celebrate diversity!
1. Students self-awareness is enhanced by diversity .
Exposing students to the others diverse backgrounds and experiences also serves to
help students focus in their awareness of themselves. When they see how others are
different, students are given references points or comparative perspective which
sharpen assessment of their own attitudes, values and behaviors.
2. Students diversity contributes to cognitive development.
The opportunity to gain access to the perspective of peers and to learn from the
other students, rather than the instructor only, may be especially important for
promoting the cognitive developement of learners.
According to William J. Brennan said: "The classroom is peculiarly the 'marketplace
of ideas'. Students diversity in the classroom brings about different points of view
and varied approaches to the learning process.
As the German philosopher, Nietzsche, said over 100 years ago: “The more
affects we allow to speak about one thing, the more eyes, different eyes we
can use to observe one thing, the more complete will our concept pf this
thing, our objectivity, be.”
3. Student diversity prepares learners for their role as responsible member
of society.
Suzanne Morse stresses one competency that has strong implications for
instructional strategies that capitalize on diversity: “The capacity to imagine
situations or problems from all perspectives and to appreciate all aspects of
diversity.” Furthermore, she argues: “The classroom can provide more than
just theory given by the teacher in a lecture. With student diversity, the
classroom becomes a ‘public place’ where community can be practiced”.
4. Student diversity can promote harmony.
When student diversity is integrated into the classroom teaching
and learning process, it can become a vehicle for promoting
harmonious race relations. Through student-centered teaching
strategies, diverse students can be encouraged to interact and
collaborate with one another on learning tasks that emphasize unity
of effort while capitalizing on their diversity of backgrounds.
SOME TIPS ON
STUDENT DIVERSITY
1. ) Encourage learners to share their personal history and experiences.
2.) Integrate learning experiences and activities which promote
students’ multicultural and cross-cultural awareness.
3.) Aside from highlighting diversity, identify patterns of unity that
transcend group differences.
4.) Communicate high expectations to students from all subgroups.
5.) Use varied instructional methods to accommodate student
diversity in learning styles.
6.) Vary the examples you use to illustrate concepts in order to provide
multiple contexts that are relevant to students from diverse backgrounds.
7.) Adapt to the students’ diverse backgrounds and learning styles by
allowing them personal choice and decision-making opportunities
concerning what they will learn and how they will learn it.
8.) Diversify your methods of assessing and evaluating student learning.
9.) Purposely, form small-discussion groups of students from diverse
backgrounds. You can for groups of students with different learning
styles, different cultural background, etc.
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!
Prepared by: Robegine G. Casidsid
