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The inquiry process can help us embrace and enhance cultural diversity. Since suspicion, prejudice, and misunderstanding are often the default starting point in difficult conversations, asking insightful questions about other cultures and identities is the first step to better understanding them. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an approach to organizational change that focuses on the positive rather than the problems. AI has been used to successfully lead diversity workshops in higher education by helping participants recognize the intrinsic value of diverse peoples and viewpoints and providing inquiry techniques to open minds and promote greater empathy (Alston-Mills, 2011).
Diversity in the disciplines is also important, especially in STEM and related science fields. Below are some resources and strategies for addressing diversity in some of these fields.
- Engineering: National Academy of Engineering president William Wulf reflects on the importance of diversity of people within organizations and within individuals' personal experiences. The more diverse we are, the better we are able to solve complex problems.
- Physics: Physics educators Kramer, Brewe, and O'Brien outline their efforts to create an innovative integrated research and learning community at Florida International University to "excite, entice, and retain science and math students" from diverse backgrounds.
- Mathematics: Getting the facts straight and interpreting complex data has never been more important. This lesson plan from Bernadette Garam has "students analyze the percentage of change in the diversity of the US compared to New York City over 20 years."
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