Effect of Cross-Cultural Understanding in Educational Environments
When comparing the typical classroom in the U.S. to the cultural norms of other cultures, it is easy to see how a student could be confused, how a teacher might misinterpret situations and how parents might be involved to a greater extent or not at all in their child’s education.
When international or immigrant students are quiet during class, teachers might assume that these students are not interested in the topic or in learning. This may be true, but maybe the student is simply from a culture that had a high power distance heritage.
In order to better understand cultural values and the effects on cross-cultural understanding in educational settings, the six value dimensions, as defined by Hofstede (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2007 pg.184-193, ), will be discussed with examples of how teachers, parents and students might misunderstand each other due to cultural differences..
1. Individualism and Collectivism
One of the variables that has a tremendous influence on understanding both students and parents relates to where on the Individualism-Collectivism continuum a certain culture is based. Individualistic cultures encourage people to be unique, independent and to pursue their interest and collectivist cultures place emphasis on what is best for the group, often the family unit, and often in contradiction to an individual’s desires. Immigrant students and parents that come from a more
Cultural ideology strongly influences a student’s decision in regards to schooling and future opportunities (Lawrence et al., 2012, pp. 79-80). Whether students specifically choose otherwise; and the students run the risk isolation themselves from the cultural practices and expectations of his family and friends (Thompson, 2002, p. 8). Within the schooling culture a child will feel the same feeling isolated (Ewing, 2013, p. 85). As previously stated by the interviewee, parental input is a vital component. Discussing beliefs about cultural ideology with parents can be incorporated into the children’s
In Communications Between Cultures individualism and collectivism are described by researchers as “self-orientation versus collective orientation as one of the basic pattern variables that determine human action.” These differences can be found in family life, school, and workplace
Another challenge educator’s encounter is the cultural gap that is between students and teachers. It is important for educators to understand that some culturally diverse children may need things explained to them in a different way for them to gain an understanding.
Every classroom in America is made up of multiple cultures with many different believes; however, regardless of culture or beliefs all students should receive the best education possible without losing their identities while in the process. Culture is a way of life of a group. Culture and learning are connected in significant ways and for this reason having an understanding of different cultures and learning processes should provide an outline for instructional decisions (Guild, 2001). The first step a teacher must take is to gain an understanding of each child culture. This paper will examine the Hispanic culture, discuss how a teacher could build global awareness and understanding, and incorporate diverse social and cultural views to create innovative methods to solving problems in his or her classroom.
In the individualistic and collectivistic cultures there are continuums as well (Alshahrani, (2017; Yoo, 2014). Students from the individualistic culture expect to learn and express themselves. The student’s personal ideas are just as important as mastering the content. If a student is from a collectivistic culture, they do now come to engage in any intent way. These students come to class to hear the information and to leave with the instructor’s point of view and content. Students from this dimension and both cultures may not grow in a personal or social way.
Over the years the role that teachers play in the child’s life has massively changed. In the late 1800s and early 1900s many children did not go to school, what they learned came from home, so when they did come to school, it was a shock. Many of the parents would send the children to school, and forget about them. Especially in girls, education has been the hardest from them over the years.
Do parents want to be involvement in their children’s school process? “Some teachers enrich their cultural knowledge through their interaction with parents” (Lily, 2015, p.494)
Cultural differences pose several barriers for students and may impair their opportunity to learn. These barriers are created by differences in language expression, communication style, preferred learning style, gender-role customs and behaviors, and limited parental involvement due to these cultural or socioeconomic barriers
Eileen Ariza’s article “Culture Considerations: Immigrant Parent Involvement” published from Kappa Delta Journal Record discusses appropriate teacher interaction with foreign students who are currently enrolled in standard classrooms in America. She argues that teachers who have foreign students in their classes should attempt to be more understanding of foreign students’ cultures when foreign students behave abnormally according to American culture. In this essay, I intend to summarize, critique, and evaluate Ariza’s proposal for revising teacher pedagogy and improving teacher interaction with foreign students and their families.
Teachers must learn about their student’s cultures if they want to educate them to the best of their ability. Many of the students in culturally diverse classrooms will want to learn in different ways. Some will want to learn in pairs, groups, as a class, or just alone. If the teacher is educated in their culture then lessons can be adjusted to appeal to every student as much as possible instead of forcing some to forget about their culture and learn like others. Students from
The culture of a classroom is a direct reflection of the people who comprise it. All people carry their customs, traditions, and beliefs with them everywhere they go. It is important for teachers to understand the similarities and differences of the students they teach. Mexican and Islander students make up a large majority of students in Federal Way. Teachers must take into account the whole student and the home culture. More specifically, teachers must examine the roles that language acquisition, attitudes towards time, and family relationships play in a students’ ability to succeed. A closer look at these important components of culture can help teachers and students to avoid the misunderstanding and confusion that can take place in a multicultural classroom.
Gaining learning and experience about other cultures background will enrich my multicultural knowledge. Therefore, as an educator I must learn about others culture. As I begin to learn about others cultures I will understand how values influence the ways families interpret the instruction that feels right to them. A close study on Figure 3.1 implies that a teacher’s point view or the way the students are treaty can affect their learning. It keeps narrating the story of a teacher that had to learn her students’ roots, their culture values, to get to know them in order to reach them in an academically level. The cultural values are very important and cannot be overlooked, they shape our intrinsic motivation. Many families try to keep their values and belief intact at home, so their children when they step in a classroom. Monica Brown, is the Department editor of Diversity Dispatch, argues in her article, Educating All Students: Creating Culturally Responsive Teachers, Classrooms, and Schools, that nowadays it is noticeable the diversity growths in schools, however, this is not the problem. The problem is the way teachers have responded to the diversity growth. (Brown, M. 2007). Therefore, this will affect the students learning. Brown cross with a strong point in regarding the lack of sensitivity some educators show towards their students’ culture. As educator I don’t want to be one of many teachers Monica Brown speaks on her article. I will understand that I must respect my
As an educator it is important to be aware of the various learners in the classroom as well as being able to shift lessons accordingly to adapt to a greater number of students. In addition it is essential that culturally responsive practices is adapted in the classroom in order for all students to have a sense of belonging and are able to participate. For this reason, a teacher must actively use culturally responsive practices to engage students and their families because it helps to develop a relationship and maintain a level of communication. Learning “facts” about different cultures is not enough, it is more important that we make
Final thoughts: Students behavior can be influenced by many things such as their cultural influences, living situation, and what they are exposed to. Ms. Rollison needs to be aware of the cultural influence that affects the student’s behavior. Every culture is different and it influences how a student will interact and respond to authority. Culture can influence the way they talk with their peers, views on sharing, and the way they act all around. Having many students with different culture background leads to a diverse class with different views on how they act toward their peers.
I spent five hours observing a classroom but it felt like spending time in a new world. I observed a first grade classroom at Tatnuck Magnet Elementary School in Worcester, Massachusetts. This was my first opportunity to watch and comprehend a classroom environment with a teacher’s mindset. It was an eye opening experience, I was beginning to see the classroom in components: teaching methods, lesson plans, philosophies, and common core requirements. Listening for how to give directions rather than follow them is just one example of my changed focus while in the classroom. Due to my schedule, I observed the first grade class on three separate days during the morning to afternoon part of the school day. There were roughly fifteen students, a diverse group which included various ethnicities and personalities. I feel that I was lucky in being assigned this class because it was extremely dynamic and I got to witness many activities and strategies in a couple hours. Throughout this observation report I will most likely quote phrases the teacher said as I found them to be key tools when dealing with a situation. For the purpose of maintaining confidentiality in this report, I will change the teacher’s name to Ms. Mallard and also create names for any students mentioned hereafter.