DIVERSITY
EMBRACING DIVERSITY
I had the opportunity to teach diverse groups of students while at New England Tech and Rhode Island School of Design and I enjoy the dynamics that diversity brings to the classroom.
2013 TO PRESENT
I taught a course in “Popular Culture and Mass Media” and the various topics we cover (fashion, entertainment, technology, education, marketing, health care…) really help me understand the culture, values and interests of each student.
Q: Who are the diverse learners in my courses?
The student body of diverse learners includes adult or returning students, ages 30+, International students, and individuals with physical disabilities or cognitive considerations.
Q: What do they bring to the classroom?
Adult or returning students bring invaluable real-world experience to the classroom which I encourage them to share to make topics we discuss have actual relevance. Older students tend to be less aware of the newest technologies and methods in learning, but their eagerness to understand and seek out help allows them to keep pace. The culture that International students bring to the classroom helps others expand their often “US-centric” perspectives. The first week of the course I review all the topics from the syllabus and invite students to chat in my office and discuss if there are subjects they feel compromise their values.
Q: What do I provide to accommodate their needs?
When I am informed that a student has physical or cognitive challenges, I meet with the student advisers and/or support staff and discuss the proper accommodations; these include allowing extra time to complete assignments, quizzes and exams, and cooperative & team based projects to share the responsibilities.