10/26/2020; Cross-Cultural Students in the Classroom

 

As an English Language teacher, you will have students from many cultures in your classroom. Hispanic cultures have different paradigms than European cultures, which have different paradigms than Asian cultures. In fact, the US has different cultures depending on where you grew up. 

One of my first experiences with cultural differences was when I was in 1st grade. I had moved from North Carolina to California and even as a 7 year old, I saw the difference in the classroom. I was raised to call adults 'sir' and 'ma'am'. When my teacher asked me to do something during the first week of school, I responded the way I had been taught to, with "yes, ma'am." I was very confused when my class laughed, and I was sent to talk with the principal. I quickly learned that, in California, they don't use 'sir' and 'ma'am' the way I had been raised to. 

Just like I learned when I was misunderstood in elementary school, your students will have to learn where their cultures diverge. An asian student might get frustrated by the lack of respect for teachers in America. It could help to be clear about your expectations in the classroom. A hispanic student might spend the entire lecture looking at you with a terrified look, worried you'll call on them individually, but do very well in a group setting. Finding ways to help students feel more comfortable regardless of their cultural paradigms is important. What are some ways you can help students feel more comfortable in your classroom?