Answer to Question #232129 in English for Precious

Question

The role of schools in ensuring respect for diversity

Answer 1

Diversity is generally understood to encompass race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, age, and political and religious beliefs. And while in the past it has focused on strengthening inter-cultural tolerance, new ideas about diversity and inclusion have developed, shifting the focus towards enriching human learning and experience.

The following are some importance of diverse study environments;

i.                   Improves Cognitive Skills and Critical Thinking

The presence of diversity in the classroom allows students to consider perspectives and opinions beyond those they’ve already formed or were shaped in early life by family and friends. By presenting students with viewpoints far different from their own, it gives them the opportunity to think critically about their own beliefs and examine the world in fresh ways.

ii.                 Diversity Promotes Creativity

Creativity is all about bringing together different ideas and transforming them to make something new, unique, and personal. The more ideas and experiences students are exposed to, the more creative they can be.

Diverse study environments also drive creativity when interpreting and using knowledge, data and facts. Group activities with diverse group members helps create a positive atmosphere and group dynamic for creative and collaborative learning. Bringing diverse students together helps with critical thinking or problem-solving, especially when applied to real world business problems.

iii.               Business Competence

Since the goal of many businesses is to grow and expand on an international scale, it has become essential to hire students with a global mindset. This means hiring students who are adaptable and open-minded, who speak more than one language, have experience dealing with different cultures or an understanding how other foreign markets operate. 

iv.               Combatting Prejudice 

Diverse study environment helps students combat prejudice, that is having diverse classrooms help students develop tolerance and a greater sense of security when in environments with other foreign cultures present. It also helps students learn about other languages and cultures, encouraging them to be interculturally sensitive. 

Conclusion

When it comes to education, diversity inclusion in schools doesn’t seem a farfetched idea anymore for any globally minded institution. This can be accomplished by either having technology that connects students with foreign knowledge and cultures or by having an international student body to make the learning environment multicultural and diverse.