Valuing Diversity

I would say valuing diversity is one of the principles of the Motivation framework for culturally responsive teaching. It is an essential part of active learning as well. It is important because being an effective instructor requires a willingness to understand that student’s differing perspective and to construct with that student a motivating educational experience.

In order to enforce expectations and realize learning outcomes, instructors must understand how learners learn and what motivates them.  The motivational framework is “a way to plan for and reflect on teaching that is respectful of different cultures. It comprises four motivational conditions and associated questions:

Establishing inclusion: How do we create or affirm a learning atmosphere in which we feel respected by and connected to one another? (best to plan for the beginning of the course)

Developing attitude: How do we create or affirm a favorable disposition toward learning through personal relevance and choice? (best to plan for the beginning of the course)

Enhancing meaning: How do we create engaging and challenging learning experiences that include students’ perspectives and values? (best to plan throughout the course)

Engendering competence: How do we create or affirm an understanding that students have effectively learned something they value and perceive as authentic to their real world? (best to plan for the end of the course)