Nic Ponsford, award-winning Founder of the Global Equality Collective (GEC), shares insights and top tips on how school staff can create a more inclusive classroom.
For too long, students from underrepresented backgrounds, such as low-income students, students of colour, and students with disabilities, have faced barriers to education and career opportunities. This has contributed to the issue of "invisible careers" - professions that are not widely known or understood – and which, even if they are known, can feel unachievable for many.
To overcome this issue and ensure that all students have access to a wide range of career options, it is crucial to create inclusive and diverse learning environments. In this article, we'll explore some of the key strategies that educators can use to build a truly inclusive classroom, including developing a culture of respect, embracing diversity and providing support and resources for underrepresented students.
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Career Paths
Systemic barriers such as poverty, racism, and sexism can create significant barriers to opportunity for many students. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves both policy and practice changes. This can include addressing the achievement gap, ensuring that all students have access to quality education, and are more likely to succeed in the working world, and finding career paths that fit their skills, ambitions and areas of interest.
But, while wide-scale change is needed to address systemic barriers, at an individual level, schools can play a critical role in making progress by implementing initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
One key area where schools can make a difference is through curriculum development. By creating a curriculum that represents a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, schools can help students understand and appreciate different cultures and backgrounds. This can include incorporating diverse literature and history, as well as highlighting the contributions of individuals from underrepresented communities in various fields. Of course, schools should also aim to represent diversity in their teaching body – recruiting from all walks of life and bringing different perspectives and experiences into the classroom.
In addition, schools can also provide resources and support to students in exploring career paths, including those that may be considered "invisible careers." By offering internships, mentorship programs, and other career-related opportunities, schools can help students gain practical experience and exposure to different industries and professions. This can be particularly important for underrepresented students who may not have access to the same networks or resources as their more privileged peers.
For example, by actively promoting STEM education and careers, schools can help address the gender and diversity gaps in these fields. Encouraging girls and students from underrepresented communities to pursue STEM can help break down barriers and increase diversity in these important and growing fields.
Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment
Inclusivity in the classroom is crucial not only for creating a welcoming space but also for ensuring that all students have an equal chance to succeed in their future careers. By promoting an environment that values diversity, students are better prepared to navigate the complexities of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Creating this type of environment involves a range of strategies, from classroom decor to seating arrangements and language and communication styles. Teachers should aim to create an environment that recognises and values diversity, including differences in learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences. For example, teachers can incorporate diverse literature and history into their lessons, highlight the contributions of individuals from underrepresented communities in various fields, and promote a culture of respect and inclusion.
In addition, teacher training and professional development play a crucial role in building a truly inclusive classroom. Teachers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom. This includes training in cultural competency, diversity and inclusion, and equitable teaching practices. Ongoing professional development can help teachers stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in diversity and inclusion in education.
A level playing field
So, building a truly diverse and inclusive classroom is crucial in ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. By addressing systemic barriers to education, providing support to underrepresented students, fostering an inclusive learning environment, embracing diversity in the curriculum, and investing in teacher training and professional development, we can create a classroom that supports all students in reaching their full potential.
Click here to learn more about Nic's work.
