Contemporary Issues of Equity and Diversity in the Caribbean

This course challenges educators to evaluate the needs of individual students in the diverse population within the Caribbean context. It specifically examines pertinent issues related to equity and diversity within the Caribbean educational systems such as second language learners, sexual orientation, and special needs, as well as contemporary topics such as race, gender, culture, and religion. Focus is placed on improving student achievement through differentiated curriculum and instruction. Some approaches explored will include teaching for understanding, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making; as well as best practices associated with accommodating different teaching and learning styles. Three instructional approaches to teaching in a diverse setting are explored: differentiation, Universal Design for Learning, and culturally responsive instruction. Students will explore digital methods to modify, extend, and differentiate instruction to positively impact student learning and engagement based on individual student needs.