Page 340 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Diversity

“One point of view gives a one-dimensional world.”
Liz Murray, a formerly homeless teenager
who won a scholarship to Harvard.

While in college, you are in a unique environment that affords you many Table 12.6
opportunities to grow and develop your skills in all domains: cognitive,
social, affective, and psychomotor. Adding to the richness of your college Valuing Others
experience is the diversity that fellow students and faculty bring to your
campus. You are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity to learn respecting
about others and to practice the skill of appreciating diversity. being non-judgmental

In simple terms, appreciating diversity means valuing others who may empathizing
be different in some way. Let’s look closely at the skills associated with caring
valuing others and then look for contexts where these skills can be applied. sharing

Appreciating diversity does not mean that you must agree with other forming shared values
people’s values, behaviors, or actions. However, it does mean that you committing to others
treat others with the degree of respect that every person deserves. The desiring to serve others
more you practice the skills in Table 12.6, the greater the rapport, respect,
and common ground you will find when working with others.

In what contexts does appreciating diversity apply? The answer is most any context where there might
be differences between you and someone else. Examples include differences in race, religion, ethnicity
or culture, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, geographical background, interests, and profession
or occupation.

Another example of diversity was presented in Chapter 4: differences in personality types and learning
styles.

Behaviors that are dangerous and counter-productive to appreciating diversity include:
• being judgmental
• believing stereotypes
• rationalizing
• permitting feelings of superiority

What can you do to avoid these behaviors?

• Honestly assess your beliefs
• Try to catch yourself prejudging
• Listen and learn from others
• Be sensitive and think before speaking
• Focus on the things you have in common rather than the differences
• Allow for opportunities to explain or clear up any misinterpretations

334 Foundations of Learning