Title: The Importance of Diversity in the Classroom | Drexel University
Headings: 
The Importance of Diversity & Cultural Awareness in the Classroom
Drexel University School of Education
Why is it Important to Encourage Diversity in Schools and Workplaces?
How do you Manage Diversity in the Classroom?
Get to Know Your Students
Maintain Consistent Communication
Acknowledge and Respect Every Student
Practice Cultural Sensitivity
Incorporate Diversity in the Lesson Plan
Give Students Freedom and Flexibility
Why is it Important to Teach Culture in the Classroom?
Students Become More Empathetic
Students Gain a Better Understanding of Lessons and People
Students Become More Open-Minded
Students Feel More Confident and Safe
Students Are Better Prepared for a Diverse Workplace

Content: If students feel appreciated by and comfortable with the teacher, there’s a better chance they’ll feel comfortable talking with and respect their peers in the class – and communication is the core to a culturally aware and inclusive classroom. 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. Students can talk about whether they felt included in the classroom culture. This can help identify issues or ways to improve the overall experience. It’s also an opportunity to discuss their progress in the class and offer guidance on how they can improve, based on their individual needs as a student. 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. This allows them to better understand their own culture as well as the differences and nuances with their peers. As a bonus, this can be a great ice breaker assignment, allowing students to give presentations about their family traditions and culture to help expose the class to concepts outside of their own familiar comfort zone.