Understanding Essential

Concepts and Diversity of

Special and Inclusive Educa-
tion
MODULE 1
Lesson 1: Un-
derstanding Di-
versity
 OBJECTIVES:
In this topic, learners should be able to:
Demonstrate appreciation to learners’ diversity through understanding
different individual qualities.

Acquire deep knowledge on the student’s diversity using Loden’s Diver-

sity Wheel;

 Give ways of managing a diverse classroom.

• Name qualities which describe who you are.
(Aspects which you think are innate or cannot be
controlled)

• Name qualities which describe you but can be con-

trolled if given the right circumstances.
 What is Diver-
sity?
• It is any dimension that a person
or a group can be differentiated
from one another.
 Learner’s Diver-
sity
• As students enter the classroom,
they bring with them a unique
background, set of skills, and edu-
cational needs.

• No two students learn the same

because of these traits.
• It is all about empowering
people by respecting and ap-
preciating individual differ-
ences in terms of age, ethnic-
ity, religion, disability, sexual
orientation, education, and
national origin.
 Learner’s Diver-
sity
• In our increasingly diverse and
multicultural society, it’s more im-
portant than ever for teachers to
incorporate culturally responsive
instruction in the classroom --
whether teaching elementary
school, middle school or high
school students
 The term “diversity” often carries
with it additional concepts and
concerns such as inclusion.

• This means we talk about diversity & inclusion

• We have diversity in the world and in our lives because of differences.

This module topic is not about social justice and society’s institutional
responses to difference. Rather, this module topic addresses the ways
we as individuals see differences.
Loden’s Diver-
sity Wheel
 • It was Marilyn Loden and Judy Rosener
in 1990 who developed a framework for
thinking about the different dimensions
of diversity within individuals and insti-
tutions.

Loden’s Diver- • Depicted as concentric circles, this “Di-

sity Wheel versity Wheel” can be used in many dif -
ferent ways to encourage thinking about
values, beliefs, and dimensions of iden-
tity for people and organizations (YMCA
of the USA, 2020).
Click icon to add picture
 • Diversity may include any-
thing and everything which
sets us apart.

• It does not focus only on the

Click icon to add picture
visible aspects of us but the
invisible which reside our
beliefs and values. This
wheel was created to bridge
the similarities and differ-
ences between cross societal
and cultural boundaries (Lou
and Dean, 2010).
• If we would be narrow-minded in looking
what constitute diversity, we will miss the op-
portunity of effectively establishing connec-
tions and serving all members of the commu-
nity most especially your students in your re-
spective classrooms .
How will you manage diversity in
the classroom?
 Managing
Diversity in the
Classroom
There are several ways teachers can ensure that both the classroom
environment and curriculum are responsive to the increasing cultural
diversity of our society.
 1. Get to Know Your Students
• Take the time to learn about each student’s
cultural background, hobbies, learning
styles, and what makes them unique.

• Demonstrating a genuine interest in learning

about each student and their culture will
help establish trust and allow you to form a
bond with them so they feel valued.

• Communication is the core to a culturally

aware and inclusive classroom
 2. Maintain Consistent Communication
• Aside from getting to know your students,
teachers should also continue to maintain
ongoing communication throughout the
semester or school year.

• Scheduling 1-on-1 meetings with students

to “check in” every so often will allow you to
consistently improve how accessible the
classroom is to everyone.
3. Acknowledge and Respect Every Student

• It’s also important for students to celebrate

and respect their own diverse backgrounds,
as well as each other’s.

When appropriate, teachers should encourage students to research and

learn about their own ethnic and cultural backgrounds

• Learning how to talk about other cultures in

a respectful, mature way is essential for suc-
cess in life outside the classroom.
 4. Practice Cultural
Sensitivity
• While it’s important to keep an
open dialogue amongst students,
it’s equally as important to make
sure you’re being sensitive to ev-
eryone’s culture, beliefs, and lan-
guage concerns.
5. Incorporate Diversity in the Les-
son Plan
• The classroom environment is important for
fostering cultural awareness, but you also
should ensure diversity is represented in your
actual lesson plan.

• Regardless of the subject, always try to present

and connect lessons to real-world issues. It’s
easier to promote cultural awareness within
your lessons when there’s a real example for
students to relate to.
 6. Give Students Freedom and Flexibility
• The most valuable lessons are often learned through a stu-
dent’s own experiences, so giving them some freedom in
the course encourages more connection to the curriculum.

• Allow students to read and present their own materials that

relate to the fundamental lesson so they can approach the
topic from their own perspective.

• As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and encourage con-

versation and healthy debate between diverse opinions
REFERENCE:

Diversity Wheel. Association of Science and Technology Centers, Children's Discov-

ery Museum of San Jose, and Association of Children's Museums (2020). Retrieved
from https://community.astc.org/ccli/resources-for-action/groupactivities/diversity-
wheel#:~:text=Depicted%20as%20concentric%20circles%2C%20this,A dapted
%20from%20%E2%80%9C