Some of the cultural differences expected in my current and future academic setting encompass language differences, religious differences and diverse ethnic groups. Furthermore, there is an expectation of diverse viewpoints on friendship and differences in social orientation. Our current classroom setting comprises students from diverse ethnicities, such as the dominant White ethnic group, African American, Asian American, American Indian and Latino. There is also expectation of White Students from Europe, Asians and Alaska Natives. A diverse ethnic environment has provided a good learning opportunity where students appreciate each other’s cultural values, therefore eliminating prejudice and racial discrimination. Every student works hard to achieve their academic goal with robust teamwork that fosters productive learning. The current academic setting comprises students and instructors possessing cultural differences such as diverse language, religion, ethnicity, and differences in social orientation.
Our classroom is a diverse cultural setting comprising teachers and students from different cultural groups. The majority of students are from the dominant White ethnic group, with other cultures such as African American, American Indian, Latinos, and Indian Americans. There is also a future expectation of having many students from different ethnicities worldwide, such as White students from Europe, Chinese, Japanese, Mexicans and Hispanics. Culture is the way of life of a particular population that comprises shared language, values, dress, and beliefs (Lewis, Myhra, Smith, Holcomb, Erb, & Jimenez, 2020). Individuals with similar ethnicity also belong to a specific culture since they have a common ancestry. Shared values and beliefs of a particular population are learned and emulated from one generation to another. People differ in ethnicity, values, beliefs, language, expressions and social orientation, which can define them as culture.
One of the strategies that I will utilize to address cultural differences in the classroom is to educate students on the need to appreciate each other’s culture. There is a need to be optimistic about everyone’s culture and learn its essential aspects. The other strategy is to ensure all students respect each other and value their contribution in the classroom. An open discussion in the classroom is one of the strategies that help eliminate cultural differences. Open discussions enable students to share ideas, know each other, learn from each other and appreciate diverse cultures. The other approach to addressing cultural differences is the encouragement of teamwork work, such as group activities, which promote unity among different cultural groups, therefore eliminating prejudice. Education on cultural sensitivity is one of the best approaches to addressing cultural differences. Cultural sensitivity entails comprehending each other’s values and beliefs (Williams-Gualandi, 2020). Educating students on cultural sensitivity enables them to acknowledge each other’s culture, therefore promoting unity in a classroom.
Although there are students who speak different languages, such as English, Hispanic, French, German and Mexican, English remains the dominant language used for teaching in the classroom. Learning and sharing of information is mainly in English, which promotes unity among the students. I will demonstrate love for students from different backgrounds by showing concern for them through the encouragement of teamwork and the sharing of ideas. I will be favourable to all the students in the classroom and treat them equally to show respect. Furthermore, I will encourage positive behaviours and show an excellent example by having a positive attitude toward all. Likewise, I will demonstrate a caring heart by providing financial support, especially to those who cannot meet some needs, such as course texts, video lectures and all learning materials that are essential for academic achievement. I will show love to all the students and not discriminate against anyone based on cultural differences. I will be a good listener who understands the concerns of all the students and puts their needs before me. I will demonstrate love for all students by being honest with all students and providing feedback that encourages progress.
References
Lewis, M., Myhra, L., Smith, B., Holcomb, S., Erb, J., & Jimenez, T. (2020). Tribally specific cultural learning: The Remember the Removal program. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 16(3), 233-247.
Williams-Gualandi, D. (2020). The cultural group in intercultural understanding: implications for teaching from a social identity theory perspective. Journal of Research in International Education, 19(3), 233-250.
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