When I say diversity, you say....?"

  Diversity is an Essential Piece of the Puzzle when solving "Wicked Problems"

Jilian Stambolich, February 25th, 2016

diversitynoun  di·ver·si·ty  \də-ˈvər-sə-tē, dī-\Simple Definition of diversity (Merriam-Webster): the quality or state of having many different forms, types,

 ideas, etc.

: the state of having people who are different races or who

 have different cultures in a group or organization

I wonder, when educators say, "we value diversity in our school/organization", whether the first, or second, definition comes to mind? 

      

I wonder, when educators say, "we value diversity in our school/organization", whether THEY are referencing the first or second definition?

Let me give you an example.  In a recent group discussion trying to mine thinking about traditional vs. on-line schooling, someone said, "traditional schools are diverse because they welcome anyone from the community by postal code, and in On-line learning, it is diverse because many different people can sign up."

In the latest Rotman Management magazine, Winter 2015,  focussed on Wicked Problems, Editor Karen Christensen links a few "big ideas" to support thinking, when it is "messy, reactive, and there is no single solution." 

• empathy
• gender
• listening
• generational learning
• current research
• integrative thinking tools
• collaborative learning

So, are groups of different people able to think differently?  Aren't communities often linked by commonly held beliefs and values? Don't most people sign up for an online course because they have a beginning interest in it? And- If its beginning understanding, isn't it often based on popular belief?  And-Isn't this, in fact, NOT diverse, but common knowledge?  

My notion is that, unless we collectively consider both definitions of diversity when working with "wicked problems", our outcomes will be based on a culture of niceness, where no "critical friends", or divergent thinking, challenges our current stance. 

AND

If we don't move off our current stance how will we solve these "Wicked Problems?

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