COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Throughout the history of mankind, we survived only by adapting to the changes and differences. In order to thrive in an increasingly diverse future where difference is unstoppable and to empower an inclusive learning environment, a teacher must understand, acknowledge and adapt the diversity and inclusion. Based on a classroom perspective, diversity means to me is the range of differences in students based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, talents, physical ability or attributes, nationality, political ideologies and religious or ethical values system. Inclusion is the infrastructure, where the identity, dignity and inherent worth of all students are recognized, respected and valued.
An educational institute can be a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion. Inclusive learning infrastructure is not just a positive empowerment, It’s a mandatory establishment for the make-up of a future-proof and competitive institution. Research shows that, diverse classroom results improved intellectual engagement and self-motivation. Students educated in diverse environments are trained to interact with people outside of their normal comfort zone that improve their adaptability, tolerance and communication skills. Inclusive education doesn’t just make students better person, it makes them a prepared individual. Today’s global economy require employees that can easily communicate with a variety of clients, customers and partners. An educational institution that embrace diversity will give their graduates an edge in the job market. Besides recruiting and graduating diverse student population, it is also proven that inclusion of diversity in administration as well as recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce profoundly improves the overall success of an educational institution.
As I consider myself as an epitome of diverse experiences, consciously designed inclusive teaching strategies are at the heart of my teaching philosophy. All students understand and learn differently. Throughout my teaching career, I have always been committed to ensure that, regardless of background or abilities, all students feel supported in the process of freely learn and explore new ideas. To them, I am more facilitator than an instructor. I am aware that, each student brings unique experiences, strengths, and ideas to a classroom. I empower a learning environment where all students feel that they are genuinely being cared about their cultural, emotional and intellectual needs. By encouraging to research and share information about their educational and ethnic background, traditions, beliefs, and social behaviors, I continuously support my students to foster a trusting relationship with fellow classmates which increases the accomplishment rate during peer assisted learning process. I truly believe that, accepting diversity makes all of us tolerant and smarter. As an educator, I share the responsibility to ensure students are prepared to work in a diverse environment and collaborate with others who bring new perspectives.