incorporating multiple perspectives
The Stanford History Education Group defined multiperspectivity as, "Exploring multiple perspectives (which is known as "multiperspectivity" in parts of Europe) requires incorporating source materials that reflect different views... " and they go on to explain the reasoning which is, "Instead of just focusing on dominant groups and communities, they recommend employing multiple perspectives. One reason for this stems from increasing diversity and cultural pluralism, since many groups—women, the poor, ethnic minorities, etc.—have been ignored..." (Standford History Education Group, 2010). Because the United States is becoming more and more diverse, a teacher's arsenal of lesson plans should include different perspectives. If our curriculum chooses to ignore this fact, many students who are considered a minority will feel out of place and invalid in the classroom.
Cornell University has a quick checklist for incorporating diversity into your lessons. Some of these great ideas include:
Cornell University has a quick checklist for incorporating diversity into your lessons. Some of these great ideas include:
- Critically examine your course from multiple viewpoints and include materials that represent various perspectives accurately (consider gender, nationality, ethnicity, age, sexuality, political affiliation, socio-economic status, ability, linguistic background, etc.).
- Be inclusive of various learning styles and preferences; plan to utilize a variety of teaching techniques and when designing assignments, wherever possible, provide a choice in how students can demonstrate their learning.
citations
Cornell University. (2010). Center for teaching excellence: incorporating diversity. Retrieved from http://www.cte.cornell.edu/documents/cte/CTE Diversity.pdf
Stanford History Education Group. (2010). Multiperspectivity: What is it, and why use it?. Retrieved from http://teachinghistory.org/teaching-materials/ask-a-master-teacher/23610
Stanford History Education Group. (2010). Multiperspectivity: What is it, and why use it?. Retrieved from http://teachinghistory.org/teaching-materials/ask-a-master-teacher/23610