Finding Diversity and Inclusion in Online School

Diversity inclusion and representation in education can be a delicate matter. Yet it is important that students of all ages learn about diverse figures because research finds that being exposed to diversity and developing multicultural awareness can help students develop empathy and open-mindedness and prepare for success in a culturally diverse workplace.

What is “diversity?”

Some may define diversity to mean ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity. Others may feel that diversity should be based on ideological differences and cognitive variations, such as differences in interpretation, reasoning, and problem-solving methods.

For the purposes of this article, diversity refers to ideological, cognitive, cultural, ethnic, and racial differences, as well as different ways of being, because to assume that all members of one culture, ethnicity, or race believe the same way is neither truthful nor perhaps fair. Still, culture, ethnicity, and race do often (and some assert, necessarily) affect one’s experiences and perspectives. Thus, all are important to consider when looking to expose students to a diverse education.

Benefits of Diversity in Education

Here are some of the benefits of including diversity in online education as well as some tips for parents and Learning Coaches on how to include diversity in school.

Critical-Thinking Skills

Although humans often like what feels safe and familiar, staying in this mode of thinking can allow us to fall into living life on autopilotv. This can result in people not continually growing, learning, and thinking critically about their decisions and about life. Learning about something other than ourselves — such as learning about diverse people, experiences, and thoughts — keeps our brains thinking and exploring, and it sharpens our critical-thinking skills.

Research finds that a variety of perspectives can be beneficial in solving complex problems and bringing creativity and innovation to the workplace. Therefore, it’s important to have diversity and inclusion in schools so students learn how to work with others who are different from them and are prepared for life after their schooling.

Empathy Skills

Research also finds that, on average, people talk about themselves about 60% of the time during their conversations and talk about themselves 80% of the time when communicating on social media platforms.

Exposing students to diversity and inclusion in schools can encourage them to think about more than themselves and to be increasingly open-minded and empathetic. This can aid them in developing deep connections and communities with others.

Further, learning about diverse perspectives and ways of life can help students zoom out from thinking about themselves and instead think about the big picture.

Engagement

Although humans often like what feels safe and familiar, staying in this mode of thinking can allow us to fall into living life on autopilotv. This can result in people not continually growing, learning, and thinking critically about their decisions and about life. Learning about something other than ourselves — such as learning about diverse people, experiences, and thoughts — keeps our brains thinking and exploring, and it sharpens our critical-thinking skills.

Research finds that a variety of perspectives can be beneficial in solving complex problems and bringing creativity and innovation to the workplace. Therefore, it’s important to have diversity and inclusion in schools so students learn how to work with others who are different from them and are prepared for life after their schooling.

How to Include Diversity in Online Education

Engagement

Engaging in cultural activities is a great way for students to explore diversity and differences in a positive manner. Parents and Learning Coaches can include diversity in school by:

helping students research and create a cultural art form
listening to different music and discussing its origin
cooking new cuisines together researching traditions or celebrations

Visit Art Museums, Exhibits, and Events

Field trips to art museums, exhibits, and events can expose students to a wealth of diversity. Also, these can be fun opportunities for students to positively engage with diversity. You may even want to consider taking your student on a virtual field trip.

Build a Library

Create an at-home library of books from authors who come from various cultures, genders, races, backgrounds, and walks of life. Also consider including writers from other locations of the country and texts about different parts of the world.Field trips to art museums, exhibits, and events can expose students to a wealth of diversity. Also, these can be fun opportunities for students to positively engage with diversity. You may even want to consider taking your student on a virtual field trip.

Watch Documentaries

Parents and Learning Coaches can watch documentaries with their students about other parts of the world, diverse cultures, people with cognitive or physical differences, and people who face struggles due to cultural expectations or societal norms.

Connect with Other Students

One of the best diversity resources a student can have is that of their fellow students. Parents and Learning Coaches can arrange times for their students to meet with other online learning students. Students can then openly discuss different traditions or beliefs they have in their families

Having diversity and inclusion in school is vital for students to become informed, open minded, and empathetic adults. Luckily, there is a wealth of diverse resources for parents, Learning Coaches, and students to explore.