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The Cross-Cultural Classroom: Recommended Reading
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | September 30, 2008
The Cross-Cultural Classroom, is an interesting and thought provoking article by Christina Shunnarah in the New York Times, Lesson Plans section.
The author writes that, “it is important for me as an educator to have a cultural awareness of the students’ lives and backgrounds. Without this awareness, my sensitivity and compassion for each child would not be able to develop. My studies in anthropology have helped me view life through a cultural lens.” She offers many interesting insights, as well as a good story in this piece, subtitled, Learning to Teach in a Complicated World. One of the most interesting aspects of the piece is her description of the Iceberg Concept of Culture, the idea that like an iceberg, the majority of culture is below the surface, making it a real challenge for educators to create a classroom or community that is truly culturally accepting.
Read too, some of the comments from others that follow the main article. I am sure that they will open the door to further thought and discussion.
Post your comments and responses to this article here – to share your thoughts.
Topics: Culturally Competent, Recommended reading |
May 6th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Tactics in removing cultural communication barriers:
-Eliminating stereotypes
-Being sensitive to cultural differences
-Treating everyone with respect
-Not assuming all people of one race are the same
-Not using certain phrases that would offend someone
-Being cautious during conversations, (different cultures apply different mannerisms).
These are just a few ways I can teach children how to live in a culturally mixed world. By being aware and respectful towards all people will create positive relationships and expand their minds. To be curious is good, but one also needs to be sensitive so no one is offended. This can cause lots of tension and miscommunication. The children I’ve worked with come from many different backgrounds, therefore, it’s essential that they learn how to communicate in positive ways with people who are culturally different. One important lesson for these children to learn would be to not fit people into stereotypes. That immediately assumes all people of a certain race are the same and this is far from true.