Multiculturalism promotes tolerance, respect, and understanding amongst various groups of people. Teachers can purposefully incorporate this idea into the classroom through lesson plans, selected material, and activities that teach about the differences between cultures. Multiculturalism gives teachers and students an opportunity to explore and discuss diversity and learn from those who look different or have different beliefs and lifestyles.
Inclusion is the act of including everyone within a group setting, especially those that represent a minority. Inclusion begins with awareness. For example, in many public schools across America the assumption is that everyone is Christian (because it is what the country supposed to be founded on). Therefore, we celebrate Christian holidays. Unfortunately, this celebration within the schools excludes other religions. Many teachers are not mindful of this or simply ignore this fact . Teachers must be mindful of these differences and sensitive to the needs of other students who represent a minority group. Inclusion means that we accept everyone as an equal and treat them fairly.
Diversity is having or adding variety in the classroom. Even if a classroom appears to be homogenous a good teacher will notice differences among her students and find ways to incorporate that into the classroom. For example, just because a teacher works in a Christian school for boys that is also all black doesn’t mean that the students are all the same. Through open dialog teachers can learn what makes her students different. Additionally, selecting culturally diverse learning material and bringing in guess speakers from different ethnic backgrounds should help students appreciate diversity.
School Culture is the way the school functions day- to-day. Essentially, it is the way of life for the people who make up the school including the administration, teachers, students, and other staff members. School culture is influenced by the way people are treated within the school. It can be a nurturing learning environment or it can be rigid and restricted. When the culture of the school is inclusive, diverse, and inviting then the school can feel like home-somewhere everyone wants to be.