2/4/2021 Week 5: Cultural Differences Concerning Time

 

    Learning about monochronic and polychronic cultures explains so much about people around me and other people that I have been around at different times in my life. Monochronic is all about time. It is important to be on time, schedule appointments, keep those appointments, and follow-through and that time is valuable. On the flip side, polychronic is more about multitasking, strengthening relationships, and being flexible when changes arise.

    I understand the flexibility needed for students that come from a polychronic way of life and are now experiencing a completely different way of living in a monochronic area. It is so important to be patient, to work to get to know students, make stronger connections and stronger relationships to understand more about their backgrounds that can explain much about the way they live and do things at home. The way students live at home will carry over into the classroom, so teachers need to be sensitive to the two different ways students are trying to live. 

    Creating and focusing on small lessons or activities that teach about time management, relationships, behavior, schedules, punctuality, flexibility, and multitasking will be important for everyone in the classroom to remember. Having a classroom that allows students to learn from each other, and to have experiences that demonstrate that both cultures are good and important, will help students know and accept why everyone is different and chooses to do things in various ways. Allow students to talk about experiences and share what they have learned because those ways may be something that others need to know. Living in a monochronic area may be difficult for those that came from a polychronic way of living, but over time, studying, learning, and teaching students will help them understand why these two different ways of life work and that neither one is wrong.