IDEAS

Idea 8: Assigning a "Change Project"

Why is it important?

Some of the biggest changes that can directly affect a group of people happen in classrooms. While essays and posters are a way for students to explain what they have learned, having students work together as a collective to implement change in their area allows them to show what they have learned.

Instructions

• Have the students come together as a group to identify a problem on campus that has to do with multiculturalism or diversity representation
• Instruct them to become knowledgeable on why the problem has risen and conduct surveys and interviews of students, faculty, and staff on the issue
• Developed a realistic timeline for creating change and implement the first step in the change (i.e. the creation of a club, a petition, a fundraiser, etc.)
• Finally, upon completing the chosen step have the students offer further recommendations on how to improve on the project and potentially continue it in the future.

Advantages

• Students are forced to apply what they learned in class to a real world application, leading to a more concrete understanding of the topics and why diversity is such an important area to work on in school settings
• Will provide students with a sense of real accomplishment that comes in the form of more than a grade
• Allows for students to continue working on the project even after the course is completed

Adapted from:
Timpson, W.M, Yang, R., Borrayo, E., & Canetto S.S. (2005). 147 Practical Tips for Teaching Diversity.