Open discussions are encouraged, but you need rules to make sure that participants are intimidated or afraid to share their views. You also do not want students to feel harassed by other students or yourself. Rules that encourage students speaking one at a time, require confidentiality, and cool off periods when the discussion intensifies are recommended.
Guided discussions on diversity should pose questions to the group, allowing members to respond, discussing their own experiences. The discussions can be based on scenarios from diversity books. Students typically enjoy discussion how they would handle situations in diversity and talking about similar scenarios from their lives. Discussions should go beyond stating the obvious. Use your own questions to delve deeper and encourage critical thinking in the class discussions.
Diversity learners would enjoy learning facts about related to diversity. Teach learners about contributions made from people of diverse cultures. Students will also benefit from learning about stereotyping and the role that it plays in most societies. Students should be able to incorporate the facts that they have learned into discussion and reflection pieces.
Cultural field trips are an excellent way to expose students to a new culture or allow students of that culture to share and explain their way of life if they choose. If given the opportunity, schedule trips to a variety of different places that represent cultural experiences. You can go to lunch in different communities, or visit an art exhibit.
Earn the respect of the class by treating everyone with respect, giving all students an opportunity to share their views. Encourage participation, but do not force it in discussions. Allow students to express themselves in different ways, through written and visual expression (art projects or Power Point Presentations).