EDU 201 - Diversity in Education

3 Contact Hours, 3 Credits
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Exploration of diversity represented in the school community, including culture, language, ethnicity, socio-economic status, ability, age, sexual orientation, and lived experiences. Includes factors that impact educational practices, shape our educational system, and influence student achievement. Also includes the application of knowledge of diversity to the teaching/learning process and the facilitation of positive interactions within the learning community; the development of collaborative relationships; and the support of student development and well-being.

Course Learning Outcomes

Describe the range of diversity represented in the personal attributes and perspectives of students and educators within the school community.
Discuss how issues of social justice relative to educational practices in a multicultural, democratic society influence student achievement and shape our education system.
Apply knowledge of cultural diversity and how students differ in both their development and approaches to learning to instructional preparation, delivery, and assessment practices.
Describe and employ a variety of approaches to foster positive social interaction and relationships among members of a learning community that create a supportive and affirming learning environment for all students.
Discuss the importance of establishing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with families, school colleagues, and agencies in the community to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development and well-being of all students.

Outline:

Diversity Represented in the School Community
1. Cultural
2. Linguistic
3. Ethnic
4. Social and economic
5. Physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, and developmental abilities
6. Age
7. Gender
8. Sexuality
9. Experience
Issues Influencing Educational Practices and Student Achievement in a Multicultural, Democratic Society
1. Changing demographics
2. Divergent perspectives
3. Multiculturalism
4. Educational initiatives
5. Social justice
6. Multicultural education movement
Applying Knowledge of Diversity to Instructional Processes
1. Diversity in student development
2. Diversity in student cognition
3. Diversity in student learning styles
4. Diversity in teaching styles
Fostering Positive Interaction and Relationships in a Learning Community
1. Approaches to community building
2. Effective cross-cultural communication techniques
3. Civility in the classroom
4. Affirmation of all learning community members
Positive Relationships and Collaboration that Support Student Development and Well-Being
1. Families
2. School colleagues
3. Community agencies