Communication within a classroom is very important. From day one, the teacher sets the standard of expectations and needs to take the time and make the effort to know each student and his or her background. The classroom can be filled with many different cultures, and not understanding the backgrounds of students can create potential issues with miscommunications or misunderstandings.
As a teacher, there needs to be an increase of knowledge about cultures, world
views, experiences, and how each student helps to make the classroom different
and a place they want to learn. If time is not spent to learn simple things, there
is an increase of possible misinterpretations and disappointments. Establishing
classroom routines will help students to remember what to do and what to say since
the diversity is so great among students.
I would teach my students to use please and thank you since these words are used very often in English, but not always in other countries. Arriving at class on time is an important habit to instill in students because some countries do not care if students are late. Teach students to be early. Class participation is usually required in a classroom and raising your hand to take a turn to speak, but classrooms in other countries do not teach in this way, which can cause some difficulties or even misinterpretation of behavior. Eye contact between a student and teacher shows the teacher the student is listening, but in some countries, this shows disrespect, so students need to understand what is okay and what is expected. Discussing any of these actions, will help students learn what to do or not to do to make the learning experience more enjoyable for the students and the teacher. Learning more about cultural diversity will help teachers recognize ways to increase communication and help students to learn and adjust to new situations and experiences they face.
Two parts I especially like is how you said that the teacher is responsible for setting expectations from day 1. I have been in classrooms where a teacher will create rules after months of the class starting, and it is difficult for the students to adjust. The second part is "how each student helps to make the classroom different." Each student is going to bring their good and bad traits along with them, and I feel it is part of the teacher's to help bring the good traits out and use them to develop an healthy environment for each student.
ReplyDeleteAs teachers we need to teach students about the local culture, and learn about each other's culture, just as you think it is important to teach the use of thanks, please excuse me, these habiltos can avoid many misunderstandings between teachers and students.
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