When we talk about diversity we are talking about something very complex and hard to pin down (Zepke, 2005). There is so much variety in any society and within an individual because of the presence of different points of view and ways of making meaning out of like experiences which generally arise from the influence of different cultural and religious heritages, from the differences in how we socialize women and men, and from the differences that emerge from class, age and ability (Zepke, 2005). Because of this, effective leaders and instructors in Adult Education (AE) cannot be leaders like they could twenty years ago.
Because the mission of Wake Tech CC is to effectively serve the students in their educational pursuits, I have an interest in making sure that all students in my classes receive access to the opportunities the college offers. This not only serves the students interests but also serves the larger community these students belong to. My course work has helped me to become more aware of cultural differences that go beyond just considering ethnicity, demographics, and religious issues (ADED 6490). Diversity incorporates so many overlapping issues that affect how people think, act, and ultimately learn. And the opposite is also true; ultimately what they learn affects how people think, act and making meaning.
ADED 6487 offered an opportunity to investigate the theme of AE, diversity and the future. Understanding that diversity is a complex concept will help me move forward as an instructor or administrator into a world where all these elements of diversity will be the norm. Understanding the variances of diversity not only helps me as the instructor or program administrator be effective, but more importantly, it helps the students and community who are ultimately being served through effective educational programs. It also enhances the experience of instructors, administrators and students as we learn to interact successfully with each other. We will all be prepared for our complex and plural communities by understanding the complexity of diversity.
As an Instructor, I am particularly concerned with trying to remove the barriers that get in the student’s way because of their ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc. These characteristics often create barriers to their success and hinder them from reaching their educational and job related goals. As I mature in my profession, continue to learn and meet new students, I will continue to gain experience and knowledge working with the differences students bring to the classroom. My experience in the coursework has emphasized the need to aim for an environment in the classroom that provides an opportunity for personal development within an accommodating context (Zepke, 2005) for each student. I think the aim of AE is still the same; that is to provide a place for personal development that is accommodating, non-critical, and strives to contribute to creating a more just society. I think the way it will happen will become more complex because there are so many more variables that students bring to the class than in the past.
Because the United States has always been a melting pot of diverse groups from the beginning, I think this concept is nothing new. I think the boundaries of diversity have broadened (London, 1999). The teaching practices that I incorporate into my instruction and program administration are made richer because they are implemented in a classroom with a diverse body of students. Mutual respect and educational quality makes possible the use of the talents and abilities of all the students. I hope that my teaching methods and the way I relate to students provides an opportunity to recognize and foster their abilities and achievements by giving all students an equal chance at reaching their potential.
REFERENCES
International Journal of Lifelong Education 24.2 (2005): 165-78. Print.
