Instruction and Culture
From WikEd
[edit] Descriptions, definitions, synonyms, organizer terms, types of
[edit] Application in classrooms and similar settings
[edit] Evidence of effectiveness
[edit] Critics and their rationale
[edit] Alternative explanations due to Diversity considerations
[edit] Signed life experiences, testimonies, and stories
The instruction style of a teacher must adapt to the culture of the students he/she is working with. I am American, but I taught English in China and Chile for one year. When I stepped into my new role as a teacher in each country - I immediately came to realize the different type of expectations from students, parents, and the administration. Furthermore, I noticed how strongly democratic ideals are ingrained in American education. But, in my opinion, it is not my place to step into a foreign country and shove my ideals and values down their throats. Yes, I may expose them to new ideas, but I must also celebrate the differences between our cultures. I recall after the first month in each country I had a little "aha!" moment where I learn a new fact about the culture that clearly explained some student's previously confusing behavior. So how can you learn about the culture and adapt? Even if you're in America and have immigrant students or a simple range of cultures in the classroom, a lot of your own education comes from basic conversation and interaction. Instead of pretending to be "colorblind" or "culture blind", invite the student to share his/her experiences and beliefs. If you think it will be an issue - talk to him/her in private. Also, involve the parents. Help them understand your background while you understand their values and goals for their child. To take it even further - try to see movies or read books from the foreign culture. Just simply watching movies from Hong Kong and reading translated children's books showed me a lot of common themes and ideals that you would never see in Western/American stories. Be accepting, and enjoy the journey - in the end, just the effort will improve your relationship and respect with the student. -Christopher Liang CTER 9
[edit] References and other links of interest
[edit] Andy Hargreaves
Andy Hargreaves is a professor and the director of The International Centre for Educational Change at the Ontario Institute for studies in Education. His book; Changing Teachers, Changing Times; Teachers' Work and Culture in the Post-modern Age (New York: Teachers College Press, 1994).
Also, the 1997 ASCD yearbook Changing with Heart and Mind (Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervison and Curriculum Develpment, 1997)".
This information was found in "Teaching to Change the World" ch9,page389, by authors Jeannie Oakes and Martin Lipton.
"Teaching to Change the World" is an excellent reference for any teacher as an aid in their classroom. I would highly recommend this book.
