Working With Diversity: Building Effective Relationships in Educational Settings

Abstract

In every group, even in homogenous groups, there are always different characteristics of the members. Members may be different one from the others in terms of their demographic characteristics and personality differences. Diversity among students can be regarded as the positive as well as negative value of student groups. It can be negative since diversity among members often becomes the source of problems and conflict among members, which impede relationships among members. This paper discusses the negative value of diversity and components which are very essential for building effective relationships. Furthermore, the paper al 0 elaborates conditions needed to reduce prejudice as the result of diversity in educational settings. Finally this paper attempts to challenge lecturers who are facilitators in the learning process to serve as models in building effective relationships and working with diversity.