DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

Definition: The teachers/ trainers of adult education deal with learners who are different in age, ethnic origin and nationality, religion and belief, gender and sexuality, possible disability or as well as different learning styles, prior experience, and knowledge. Working with so-called heterogeneous groups can be a great challenge for the teaching and learning processes. Diversity management means the ability to recognise, tolerate, and respect differences, while educating others about those differences in order to maximise the productivity of learners as well as their ability to create the framework, structure and content in a way that is conducive to learning for all learners.

I can understand variety and diversity of adult education, this means understanding cultural context of adult learning and education; national and global context

I can address diverse learning modalities, abilities, needs and interests through differentiated instruction in teaching processes, e.g., having learners with different language abilities

I can show patience, sensitivity, and openness to understand other values, beliefs as well as factual and social circumstances of the teaching environments

I can appreciate values and worldviews conditioned by ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds of learners

I can foster mutual understanding and encourage learners to treat each other with tolerance and respect

I can act autonomously based on norms, ethics, and other values, which are valid on a general level or / and established

I can assess and react to risky situations that may occur due to the heterogeneity of the classroom

I can organise and manage group dynamics taking into account various backgrounds, educational levels, values, etc., of learners

I can facilitate learning content in accordance with the principles of group dynamics

I can acknowledge the importance of emotionality for adult learning

I am aware of cultural and generational diversity in digital environments (e.g. selecting digital content, tools according to the needs and abilities of learners)