Homogeneity-diversity

HOMOGENEITY/DIVERSITY IN SCHOOLS.

We speaking of a homogeneous perspective when we stress similarities among individuals and act as if they expect more or less the same. On the contrary, we speak of diversity when we are aware of individual variation. Diversity means the opposite!

We are all different from our fellow humans, and for that reason Diverse. If we are in some way Different, we are also in other ways Similar to our fellow humans. In other words: In a relationship, you tend to find both: common and different features.

Our perception is never objective in a relationship but filtered by the expectations, goals, and outcomes we can interact with others. (references and notions of stereotypes and prejudice are in my glossary at the end.-

We find important differences in homogeneity and diversity.

For one place, some false benefits of homogeneity are:

-it is easier to teach to a homogeneous group because we teaching the same at all

For another place, the advantage of diversity; the whole class would benefit from the perspective of diversity.

To sum up, we need to learn from a perspective of diversity and some changes are:

-reduce the ratio of students

-trained staff

-more resources and educational policies

-the curriculum must be a realist core: Experience and learning communities.

Learning communities

The idea of the learning communities would became our final goal. The role of environement of the students family culture in the curriculum is important. We wiil promote collaboration and participitation between students, family, teachers, administration, staff and community culture

Epstein´s model.

This model of 6 types of family and community involvement:

-parenting, families support childrenm

-communication with families (interviews)

-volunteering

-learning at home

-AMPAS (in Spain): Decision making

-collaboration with the community

Some projects

Some projests that promote collaboration and participation are:

-learning communities

-Develop by programs

-Accelerated school.

                      1) Community share a Dream

                      2) Empowerment people by participation and decision making

                      3) Building on strengths (increasind their school dream)

Glossary