Answer to Question #205127 in English for Patient

Question

‘A curriculum needs to accommodate students’ diversity’ This quotation is taken from page 83 of ENG2611 Tutorial Letter 501. 1.1 Explain what you think the author means by this statement? (3 marks) 1.2 Use your own words to explain the differences between the terms ‘diversity’ and ‘multiculturalism?’ Give relevant examples to support your answer. (4 marks) 1.3 What constitutes a diverse classroom? In not more than 100 words, discuss any three features of your choice. (6 marks)

Answer 1

1.1 The author means a curriculum should be designed in a way it can offer flexible teaching strategies that enrich learning for all despite differing needs or aspects. A rigid curriculum denies access to learning for those with different needs and thus, a curriculum should recognize that each student brings unique experiences and strengths to the classroom.

1.2 Diversity refers to everything that makes people different from each other and entails several different factors such as: gender, age, race, ethnicity, tribe, political conviction, socio-economic status, ability, religious belief etc. Multiculturalism focuses on the existence of various cultures that make up humanity. Culture is manifested in values, customary behaviors, cultural assumptions and patterns of thinking.

1.3 A diverse classroom constitutes: critical inclusivity, a variety of perspectives and, diverse delivery as well as teaching and learning materials. Students must be engaged in the teaching and learning process and instructors must facilitate educational experiences in which students learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences. Content in a diverse classroom should be presented from a variety of perspectives and angles, and not only from the majority groups, in order to be accurate and complete e.g. using slave narratives to tech about slavery and not from a Fredrick Douglas point only. Teaching delivery and teaching materials should be diverse and should be critically examined for bias.