Different cultures within the classroom can create unique opportunities for the teacher and students. These opportunities can be seen as teaching moments when used to explain ideas or situations or opportunities for greater understanding among the class. I feel it is important as a teacher to learn about each student from day one, to foster greater respect for peers. Classrooms can be a place to inspire growth, and that growth can be individual and together with peers. Addressing individual issues that relate to behavior can become a way to teach what is expected and allowed, as well as teaching what is right or wrong. Needs can be observed and discussed to help students adjust to changes and expectations.
Change is hard, but it allows for growth. With change, there
is great potential for problems because not everyone deals well with change. A
new classroom brings new ideas, new students, new ways to think, new stories, new
experiences, new friendships, new relationships, new chances to build a
positive learning environment, and more. All of these things can contribute to misunderstandings
when students struggle to communicate possibly due to not knowing English and
feeling shy about talking or saying the wrong thing, as well as feeling emotional and insecure. The struggle could be to adjust to a
new style of living or learning or not being allowed to be independent or being allowed
to be independent when group work is all that a student knows. Identifying
potential problems from attitudes, emotions and knowing the students' backgrounds will
make a difference in the way learning is received and for the teacher to know
what is best to help each student achieve the goals they are striving for.
What are the biggest factors that affect learning in a culturally diverse classroom?
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