A Dream of Diversity by Matthew

Matthew's entry into Varsity Tutor's July 2022 scholarship contest

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A Dream of Diversity by Matthew - July 2022 Scholarship Essay

The idea of America as a melting pot first came to prominence in the early twentieth century. It articulates the concept of a land created by diversity, a multi-cultured and multi-ethnic land; a land that is better than the sum of its parts. Even as those who value power over equality have tried to destroy the melting pot, the idea has remained strong. However, in our school systems, much of the diversity that distinguishes our nation has been ignored. Consistently, the focus is given to those who live in a position of power. White male history is trumpeted back to the beginnings of society, while other cultures are left to share the footnotes of history textbooks. And outside of history, the education of our youth is exclusive. Those who learn tactilely are given the sidelines as visual and auditory learners can thrive in lectures. Further, those with diagnosed disorders like ADHD or ADD are at a serious disadvantage, forced to sit in hard chairs for hours on end with little chance to move around. Each issue has contributed to an educational environment that is hardly as diverse as the nation itself. Within the next ten years of teaching, I hope to see changes to these issues: more cultures taught about and respected, more educational learning styles embraced, and more opportunities to move and release energy throughout the day.
First, a wider range of cultures ought to be displayed. This could go a long way in easing the radical divisions in our country and giving children an expansive understanding of a world that is increasingly interconnected. Currently, the focus is placed exclusively on ancient Greek and Roman cultures, while the dynasties of China and kingdoms of Africa are ignored or only briefly mentioned. Figures like Mansa Musa, the richest man to ever live, are forgotten about in favor of Western philosophers and scientists. This is understandable, as much of our country's origins can be traced back to those ancient Greeks and Romans. Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates formed the basis for Western belief and laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment ideas that would influence the Founding Fathers. However, to ignore the East's scientific achievements and philosophical breakthroughs is to err. This can be accomplished practically. One might mention Plato’s Cave next to Confucianism, or water displacement next to firework creation. While these lessons are specific, the thought behind them could percolate down throughout the grades.
Next, a diversity of teaching styles is needed to help accommodate children's needs and prepare them for their future jobs. Currently, most subjects are taught in a Socratic lecture style, meaning that a teacher will talk about a subject with opportunities for students to ask or answer questions. This teaching is frequently accompanied by some form of visual aid. However, by doing this, those who best learn by physically interacting with the material can be confused or lost, leading to worse grades and disheartened children. If a weekly course included a tactile explanation of the lesson, more of the class might feel more equipped and able to pass the class. While such simple changes might be too difficult to implement immediately, a temporary solution may be in teachers' training. If teachers were equipped with an understanding of these learning types and able to help those who needed help in their specific ways, then the whole class might at least have a lifeline when struggling. By increasing the diversity of teaching styles, students might feel better equipped to understand the material and eventually find work that suits them better.
Finally, accommodations for students struggling with mental disorders could lead to a healthier class. Students with ADHD and ADD, for example, might feel unable to focus in the current school system. By allowing more time in between and during classes to move, stretch, and physically release energy, students might be more engaged and ready to learn. Further, by continuing physical education, students will have the opportunity to work and strengthen their bodies. Physical education undeniably needs to be reexamined, as the way it is taught can be archaic. But to have a gentler program that still encourages movement and exercise, students might be fitter and more ready to learn.1
In conclusion, the current teaching at schools does not reflect the diverse country we live in. Schools struggle for many reasons; lack of funding, lack of teachers, lack of supplies, and lack of student engagement have made education harder. But by making simple, concrete changes, schools can be better able to thrive within the school setting and in the job market. I hope to see a new wave of diversity in our school systems in the next ten years so that our children will live in a better country than we do now. That is the goal of every generation. We must work to bring unity and love to our country, and that begins with diversity and education.

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