Colleges Distance TESOL

Cultural Sensitivity in the ClassroomScene #1: A Parent Meeting Korean Mother: Are there any concerns that you have about Youngsoo's behavior in class? American Teacher: Well…sometimes, when I try to give Youngsoo direction, he doesn't seem to pay attention to what I am saying. As a matter of fact, he looks somewhere else and appears distracted whenever I speak to him directly. Scene #2: Youngsoo's Home Korean Mother: Why do you not pay attention when your teacher talks to you? Youngsoo: Mom, I do pay attention, but you told me not to look at you straight in the eye when you scold me. Korean Mother: So, what do you do when your teacher talks to you? Youngsoo: I look at the floor with my head bowed down. Also, her eyes are really big and blue. I am too scared to look at her eyes. The third scene in this exercise highlighted the mother explaining to the teacher that in Korea, some consider it disrespectful for children to look an adult in the eye and they may even consider individual discussions as “scolding”. The teacher was also able to explain that she may speak to kids individually to discuss options regarding behavior and many other topics but it is done to elicit positive alternatives; not to scold the child. This is just a small snapshot of the type of misunderstanding that happens when we are not aware of cultural differences. This example was part of a study done by Heayoung Yang & Mary Benson McMullen of Indiana University on: The Role of Communication and Cultural Sensitivity in the Linguistically Diverse Classroom. This involved a teacher and a Korean parent who just happened to speak english and was also a teacher. It is doubtful that we would have such an advantage in the typical classroom while teaching ESL. Therefore, it is imperative that we make a commitment to learn about the culture in which we find our students, respect and embrace diversity and not fear and reject differences. A few suggestions on ways to promote sensitivity in the classroom are: 1. Introduce the idea of respect. (discuss manners) 2. Teach about diversity. (share stories about family) 3. Celebrate different holidays. (get feedback from students) 4. Decorate the classroom. (use country flags, maps…) 5. Go on a field trip to learn about local culture. These recommendations are from the article, “How to Promote Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom”, by Kaye Jones. They are just a few ideas to help us to consider culture when we choose our materials, decorate our classrooms, share authentic works, and tell stories. They can all be tailored to fit into lessons on learning language. Teachers who do not have adequate knowledge about the cultural backgrounds of their students may find themselves perpetrators of inappropriate expectations, negative perceptions, and many misunderstandings. Those who proactively approach the challenge of being culturally responsive will create a climate of open communication, foster a sense of belonging, and provide the students with an effective learning environment.