Diversity is extremely important in the learning environment for several reasons, as has been shown by studies at leading educational institutions in this country (Does, 2000). Diversity helps students achieve the essential goals of college education, and positive benefits accrue from diversity in the classroom. The studies found that White students suffer no adverse effects from diversity in the classroom. In a diverse classroom, students learn by being exposed to new perspectives and show a willingness to reexamine their own personal perspectives. Diversity in the classroom provides interactions which help develop critical thinking and leadership skills. It reshapes the issues considered by White students, changes the way they read class materials, influences their choice of subjects for research and for class projects, and affects how they collaborate in class.
Students also agree that they gain from learning in a diverse classroom (Does, 2000). They believe it enhances their educational experience. Racial and ethnic diversity has also been shown in studies to increase the educational possibilities in the classroom. The broader range of ideas and perspectives brought to the class by a diverse group of students generates more complex thinking by students. According to students, classroom diversity is important in disciplines such as math,
science and accounting because biases are then challenged and exposed.
Both students and faculty, then, agree that learning in a diverse classroom is beneficial and has a positive effect on students' cognitive and personal development by challenging stereotypes, broadening perspectives, and sharpening critical thinking skills. By being exposed to divers ethnicities and races, students not only learned more about these people, but also learned more about themselves, and exposure to the experiences of others and other viewpoints made them more aware of their own opinions and ...