Title: How to Improve Diversity And Inclusion in The Classroom Among Grade Ten (10) Students in The Gambia
Authors: Dawda Ceesay
Volume: 7
Issue: 8
Pages: 145-201
Publication Date: 2023/08/28
Abstract:
This research focuses on the improvement of diversity and inclusion in schools. in recent years, the issue of diversity and inclusion have become increasingly trending in societies all over the world. Communities and schools have also become very diverse due to the existence of different people from different socio-cultural backgrounds who live in communities, and also converge in schools. Basically, today's classrooms all over the world consist of students or children from diverse settings, who by means of being at the same educational levels share the same class, and are found willingly or unwillingly, intentionally or unintentionally interacting among themselves. The presence of such a diverse family within the four corners of the classroom or within a school environment necessitates the need to promote diversity in schools. This will prepare students well and bring them up on the basis of loving and appreciating other people around them, which in the near future shall be replicated across many societies around the world. Similarly, as by nature people are different in terms of their physical, mental, psychological, and financial abilities, it is prudent for schools and teachers to realize these peculiarities among the diverse students in their schools and classrooms, to create an environment that will cater for all the students. This includes ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources for all the students in school, but with a special focus on disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. Inclusion in schools and in the classroom is highly necessary in the aspects of classroom seating arrangements, accessibility of classroom structures and learning facilities, safe environments for all students, and the use of differentiated learning instructions to meet the different learning needs of students. Thus, this study will help educational stakeholders in making decisions or devising policies that will capture the aspect of promoting diversity and inclusion in schools to enhance a peaceful environment of coexistence and tolerance both in schools and society at large.