Which of the following are cultural differences seen in the classroom? (select all that are correct)

• Module
• Challenge
• Initial Thoughts
• Perspectives & Resources
• Wrap Up
• Assessment

What should teachers understand in order to address student diversity in their classrooms?

Why Culture Matters

Cross-cultural dissonance can also occur when the methods of instruction used in school differ from what students may be used to. For example, in some cultures children are expected to observe quietly and then imitate adult activities. In others, adults spend a great deal of time talking to and questioning children. In yet others, students are expected to be inquisitive and ask lots of questions. When these types of learning behaviors conflict with the teacher’s expectations, the teacher may mistakenly believe that the student is inattentive, lazy, or defiant. Similarly, when the teacher’s instructional behaviors conflict with the student’s expectations, the student may perceive the teacher as unfair, uncaring, intimidating, or insensitive to his or her feelings.

Day 1

Day 2

After one brief interaction, the teacher already has a negative perception of Marcos. Her misperception is reinforced after the second interaction. On the other hand, Marcos, who was only trying to be polite, ends up feeling insulted and humiliated.

A curriculum that fails to adequately or accurately reflect multiple cultural viewpoints can send an unspoken message to students that their cultures’ contributions or history are not valued. Further, instruction might be confusing to students if their cultural experiences or background knowledge are different from or inconsistent with those of their teacher. For example, in the Challenge movie, some of Ms. Christie’s students who have American-Indian heritages questioned her lesson on Westward expansion because it contradicted their families’ oral histories in which their people were invaded by settlers from the East. Similarly, these students may experience a cultural disconnect if their group’s knowledge or contributions are not recognized in other classes as well.

Making a Difference in the Classroom

Students from different cultural backgrounds bring their own knowledge and life experiences to the academic setting. Teachers should take the time to learn more about the background, values, histories, practices, and traditions of these students and their families.

By doing this, they have the potential to change how they provide instruction. More, teachers who embrace a fuller understanding of their students’ backgrounds and personal experiences can use them as a tool to make connections for all of their students. This is known as culturally responsive teaching. Teachers are culturally responsive when they:

It is important to understand that students might have different cultural values, beliefs, and ways of interacting than do their parents and grandparents. By getting to know the students and their families, teachers are more likely to better communicate and create positive relationships.

• Acknowledge and respect different cultural heritages
• Teach students to understand and appreciate their own and others’ cultural heritages
• Recognize the strengths and contributions of individuals from historically underrepresented groups
• Activate students’ prior knowledge and connect what they know to what they are learning
• Use a wide variety of instructional techniques (e.g., role-playing exercises, storytelling) that align with the way in which the student is taught in his or her own culture
• Expand the traditional curriculum to ensure that diverse perspectives are embedded by incorporating multicultural knowledge, resources, and materials in all subjects

For Your Information

Teachers can turn to a variety of sources for more information about cultures, including:

• Museums and cultural centers
• School district trainings
• School personnel from diverse communities
• Community events
• Group or individual meetings with families

What are the 5 ways to include different cultures in your classroom?

What are the 4 types of diversity in the classroom?

What are 3 examples of cultural diversity?

What is cultural differences in learning?