Complex Classrooms, Complex Needs
As with other topics discussed so far, there is no one answer when it comes to recognizing, understanding, and adapting to the diverse backgrounds, identities, and needs of your students. The sections below are just primers on a few areas related to diversity and your students. Consult with your supervisor, the ETTA team, and any of our resources related to students and what we call "classroom climate."
International Students
In 2012, IU Indianapolis enrolled 1602 students from over 140 countries in undergraduate and graduate programs. While the majority were graduate students, 664 were undergraduates seeking a degree. As part of our work with students at IU Indianapolis, we need to consider that students in our classes may come from diverse national backgrounds. This can affect any number of ways that we do our jobs as teaching assistants, from something as simple as idioms and cultural references we use to understanding that individuals from different cultures may perceive problems and solutions in ways very different from our own. This can apply whether our students are "international" students, or if we ourselves identify as an "international" student. As you have questions, ask ETTA, the Office of International Affairs, and your supervisor.
Keeping Diversity in Mind
There is no one type of student, no one type of faculty, and no one teaching assistant. In your role as a teaching assistant, you will encounter difference in how students identify culturally, and while we each cannot be an expert on all cultures and ethnicities, our teaching and work with students needs to reflect an openness to and understanding of differences in what we know and do, what we value, and how we relate to each other. One of the most difficult dimensions of this task is also being aware of our own culture and values, and continuously reflect on what we say, write, and do, to watch for times where we may make assumptions or even push our own culturally-rooted perspective, even if we do so unintentionally.
In terms of resources, there are many organizations on campus for students and faculty related to understanding our diverse campus community, which you can find in our Classroom Climate resources. Also, the IU Indianapolis Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 2013 Diversity Report is a very useful source of information on our campus' progress and areas for growth related to campus diversity. The Campus Climate resources should be a useful tool for you as you learn to navigate the many balances of your students' different needs and identities.