Try These

Would you like to start a discussion about diversity in your classroom? These questions, adapted by Mary Cay Corr, director for "Bridges To Diversity," may give you a springboard for your own classroom roundtables.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARENESS EXERCISE
(Adapted from original idea by Beverly Tatum)

1. List characteristics about you that reflect your own cultural background (ethnic group, socioeconomic class, religion, age group, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). Which of these is (are) most important to your identity at this point in your life? Could this ever change?



2. What experiences have you had with people from ethnic groups, socioeconomic classes, religions, age groups, sexual orientations, etc., which are different from your own? What were those experiences like? How do you feel about them?



3. Are there any groups that you have some mixed or negative feelings about? What is the source of those feelings?



4. Describe a positive experience you have had with a person from an oppressed group or cultural minority.



5. Describe a negative experience you have had with a person from an oppressed group or a cultural minority.



6. Describe a time in your life in which you have felt different from people around you. What things did you like or dislike about this difference? How could people who did not have this difference have supported you?



7. What personal qualities do you have that will help you establish interpersonal relationships with persons from other cultural groups? What personal qualities may be detrimental?