Teaching Diversity
I’ve been teaching a great group of students as Rasmussen College here in Mankato. The course is “Managing a Diverse Workforce” - and the premise of the class is that the professional, global thinking manager of the future embraces Diversity to create a more powerful, fulfilling and profitable workplace.
The class consists of 12 students - ranging in age from early 20’s to late 40’s, all Caucasian and all from this part of the world. The first class set a great tone for the rest of the year, and the class has developed a great work ethic.
My first class started with the standard 1st hour - who I am, the syllabus, the general outline of the class, and a get to know each other exercise. We then welcomed Tory Lowe - a young black man who had been the subject of unbelievable racial harassment at a southern Minnesota meat packing plant.
The group’s reaction and compassion towards Tory was exceptional. So moved was I by their ability to ask questions and their level of empathy that I offered to change the class structure immediately.
I challenged the class to try a “discussion leadership” format. Student pairs would lead a round-table class discussion each week, design activities and try to draw understanding of the material from each other.
It has been a great success. The class is now passing the “group think” conformity stage and actually arguing with each other. A level of mutual respect has developed, and the class has begun to design more and more challenging educational opportunities for themselves.
We have decided to peer grade a diversity presentation the last two weeks of class. The final paper has evolved into a self directed look into a real Diversity issue faced by a local company.
My own point of view: It is much harder to teach this way. It is easier to make 45 minutes of PowerPoint slides and assign “answer the odd # questions” type activities than to guide people through a self designed, peer based discussion and case based curriculum. However, this class has been one of the most rewarding that I have ever been a part of.
I am truly grateful for my experience as a broadcaster, internet entrepreneur, consultant and educator. I've had the chance to work with some fantastic people, and have been able to help start many great new ventures.
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