The Importance of Being Diverse
To use the buzzword of the decade - there are many benefits to being in a diverse environment. The political and socioeconomic challenges of our world today could, in many ways be addressed by an understanding and respect for diversity.
What are we saying when we speak about diversity? Many immediately think of race and ethnicity. Diversity is broader than this and includes gender, religion, economic background and even learning styles.
While every major media outlet, work environment and society as a whole is talking about the value of diverse perspectives in driving change in our world, what does it mean to apply it to an educational setting?
Diversity in the classroom
Diversity, to apply Dr. Montessori’s words, is an “aide to life”. Regardless of their experiences in school or in town, children will need to interact with those from diverse backgrounds in the workforce on a daily basis. Now, more than ever, intolerance and ignorance are simply unacceptable, and each employee of every company is expected to behave appropriately and act maturely in all situations, regardless of the circumstances.
It provides a better education. A diverse environment, on an indirect level contributes to a better education as it allows for individuals with differing viewpoints to collaborate and learn from one another. Studies show that students work better in a diverse environment as it promotes creativity, growth and reflection. When students learn about others’ struggles, perspectives, and experiences, they tend to reflect on and respond to that information. They are likely to ask themselves several questions that encourage personal growth: Would I act that way in a similar situation? Are my life experiences the same as those around me?
It allows for new perspectives and open mindedness. An environment of differences contributes to conversations with individuals whose thoughts, perspectives and experiences are not like our own. Children in particular experience significant personal development and a new way of approaching the world when they interact with others who have very different ideas and thoughts. Children who grow up around those of other races, ethnicities, or cultures are usually very willing to embrace a new culture, mindset, or perspective. Those who don’t experience diversity from a young age often have to learn how to be mindful and tolerant of others and understand that not everyone is the same as them.
Students feel safer in school and in life. A recent study found that when educated in a diverse environment children feel safer. Learning and experiencing different cultures and backgrounds allows them a sense of comfort with differences and new experiences, which in turn leads to a deeper sense of security.
What does diversity mean for us?
At the risk of sounding like a cliché - we value diversity at Mia.
It’s one thing to state that as part of our school values, however it’s something else to implement operational policies that contribute to creating a diverse environment.
The two critical factors that contribute to a diverse educational environment at a school is - the student body and faculty. As a result, our management policies include lower tuition costs and recruiting faculty from around the world.
Independent schools are often criticised as serving only the elite, whose children are privileged enough to receive a private education. Our focus therefore is on maintaining tuition at a balanced and manageable rate to allow us to serve the needs of the community while not compromising on a high quality education. The result is a student body from a variety of ethnic, cultural, religious and economic backgrounds.
We are privileged that the Montessori philosophy is global in nature and as a result AMI-trained teachers are working in all parts of the world. The challenge of course is finding those that are a fit for the school - its culture and its needs - while also supporting their journey to Canada. We are proud to say that our faculty includes AMI-trained teachers from Vancouver, India, Pakistan, China, Europe and the US. While they all speak a common language - of education and putting the child’s needs first - their cultural differences and life experiences contribute to the richness of the school environment, for students and parents alike.
Educators and parents can help children better understand that while everyone is different...in the most fundamental ways, everyone is the same and should be treated with respect.