Understanding cultural differences
I have found that is is not only about an individuals personal beliefs yet there cutural surroundings that also have a big part in the developing there characterisitics.
Andrea,
This is such an important part of being a college instructor. Our adult students have many life challenges and through support you are helping them to work through them without compromising your standards for the course. Well done!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One thing I do for my students for whom family is a top priority (often for cultural reasons) is I encourage them to communicate their needs to me. If I know a student has many family obligations, I offer to work with their schedules and around their needs. I have allowed students to attend different sections of the same course, take exams early or late (with a point dock), and if they must miss a class, I strongly encourage them to email their assignments to me, which I will still accept for full credit, if they are received the same day.
I tell them regularly that the more I understand about their needs, the more I can work with them to support them in their education. Many take me up on my willingness to be flexible.
Harold,
Good point and one we need to consider as we format our instructional delivery and select our content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Cultural diversity plays a big part on the student learning skills. Our ability as instructors to recognize, understand, and to adapt to these differences is what makes the difference and shows that we care.
LYDIA,
Thank you for these good comments about cultural differences and how they impact the success of students. By being aware of these you as the instructor can provide support as needed and hopefully keep the student moving forward in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Cultural differences do play a big part. Sometimes cultural differences can affect how we manage our priorities. For some Latinos (and other cultures), it's expected that the family needs come first and school second. How do we support the student who's family needs are first.
We can help them realize their career goals by suggesting they work around their family's schedule and able to meet both family and school needs. I recently heard that a student did not show for an exam because she had to take her mother to the airport. We could have suggested she take her mother early and arrive on time for the exam. Some students need that support and to help them rearrange their schedules.
