Learning Increases When Diversity Increases

"Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."
–Vince Lombardi

LEARNING INCREASES WHEN DIVERSITY INCREASES

According to an article by Ellen Kugler, a nationally known advocate for diverse schools on the web site, www.embracediverseschools.com, schools with diverse populations offer opportunities for academic and social learning not available in all-white schools.  "Learning comes alive when wisdom is shared not only by competent teachers and textbooks, but also by fellow students with life experiences and cultures that illuminate whole new worlds," says Kugler. According her findings, classroom discussions in diverse schools are rich and challenging, fostering critical thinking skills. Students learn there is a range of perspectives on issues, motivating them to study and thoughtfully define their own views. Kugler finds overwhelming enthusiasm for what diverse schools have to offer and overwhelming frustration at the misinformation that abounds.