It is not necessary to be an expert on every culture, but it is important to be sensitive to the fact that differences do exist and that such differences must be respected. The following are some culturally-sensitive strategies that teachers can use in the classroom to bring the best out of their culturally diverse students.
- Avoid segregating students by cultural groups, and don’t allow them to segregate themselves.
- Intervene immediately when a student ridicules a minority student’s culture or language.
- To effectively teach minority students, you must understand how their cultural influences their classroom interactions.
- Many culturally diverse students cultural colloquialisms or slang when they speak. These variances must be perceived as only a difference, not a deficit or deficiency.
- Children who speak other languages or dialects should be accepted with a positive attitude and aided in the mastery of Standard American English.
- Teachers should view learning difficulties experienced by culturally diverse students as a result of cultural differences rather than indicators of an intellectual deficit.
- Use the student’s culture to help the student create meaning and understanding of the world.
- Be a classroom activist. Take on different roles for different cultural backgrounds, and vary your methods of instruction to ensure that you are addressing all students.
- Recognize that cultural backgrounds may discourage some students from active participation in the classroom.
- Help others (teachers, administration, parents, etc.) accept your students’ cultural differences.
- Learn as much about minority students as other students.
- Respond fully to the comments of all students, especially minority and female students.
- Lead a classroom discussion on stereotyping (minority and gender) and the consequences of stereotyping.
- Review school rules and revise policies that reprimand students for cultural habits (dress, slang, etc.).
- Tailor staff development sessions to instruct teachers on how to all students.
- Cultivate a climate of equity.
What did we miss?
