Diversity

Whatever community we belong to, it is full of diversity - differences in gender, size, age, ethnic background, abilities, religion, languages and attitudes. Globalisation, expanding populations and urbanisation are all leading to the increased movement of people and hence increasing social and cultural diversity in our local communities. Diversity brings great richness of ideas, behaviours and attitudes, but we must learn to value this in order to live in harmony together. We are enriched by learning about different ways of seeing, thinking and doing, but sometimes we can also be challenged. If we focus on the differences between people, separating groups into 'them' and 'us', there is potential for conflict and people being discriminated against and treated unjustly. In classrooms where diversity is valued, many opinions are heard and a wide range of resources featuring people from around the world are used. Class members use language carefully, avoiding bias and stereotypes, work to understand the thinking behind different points of view and speak out against discrimination. As teachers, we must be aware of our own biases and assumptions: Do we use inclusive language? How does our behaviour affect our students? How do we respond to contributions we do not understand? Do we use resources that reflect diverse cultures and opinions? How do we build a harmonious community based on students' diverse backgrounds and knowledge? Are we actively learning about alternative cultures and ideas? Helping students 'communicate effectively and sensitively within and across cultures' (Global Perspectives, A statement on global education for Australian schools, p. 11) is part of developing global citizens and inherent in Values Education, Civics and Citizenship Education and higher order thinking in the curriculum. The following websites include teaching resources that will help you further your understanding of diversity. Making multicultural Australia This website offers an extensive selection of materials relating to cultural diversity. It includes a multicultural history of Australia, Hot words, debate starters, teaching activities across a range of learning areas and electronic learning objects. http://www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au/ Racism. No way! The Racism. No way! project aims to assist school communities and education systems to recognise and address racism in the learning environment. The site includes materials for teachers and students. http://www.racismnoway.com.au/ Living in harmony The Living in Harmony program is designed to encourage all Australians to contribute to and build on Australia's social cohesion. The website provides lesson plans and materials to support the celebration of Harmony Day on 21 March. http://www.harmony.gov.au/ Voices of Australia: 30 years of the Racial Discrimination Act: 1975-2005: a collection of real-life stories about Australians living together The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's Voices of Australia magazine and audio CD were published to mark the 30th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act. They feature a collection of real-life stories about diversity and living together in contemporary Australia under the themes of Australia: our home; Unexpected friendships; Breaking down barriers; Racism: not in my backyard; and From tolerance to respect. Information about the Racial Discrimination Act, a beautifully illustrated timeline of Australia's race relations and a plain English guide to the Racial Discrimination Act are also included. http://www.hreoc.gov.au/voices/ Building Bridges: A Peace Corps Classroom Guide to Cross-Cultural Understanding Building Bridges uses the American Peace Corps' cross-cultural training and volunteer experiences to help students understand their own culture better and begin to understand the perspectives of other cultures. Although written for an American audience, there are plenty of valuable ideas that could be adapted to Australian upper primary and secondary classrooms. http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/publications/bridges/pdf/BuildingBridges.pdf Community Matters: Working with diversity for wellbeing Community Matters provides a social and cultural context for mental health issues. The resource explores identity, culture and community and suggests strategies for managing the needs of diverse groups of students, particularly those who may feel marginalised at school and in the broader community. Community Matters is part of the MindMatters resource kit, which has been distributed free to all secondary schools in Australia. For additional copies, contact sales@curriculum.edu.au