Extreme Diverse Cultures
How to deal with Extreme Diverse Cultures?
Ghaleb,
this is very true & we can help to discuss these differences & help our students get comfortable with these differences in our classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Cultural differences can sometimes make relationships difficult. Whether a person speaks in a different way (or another language altogether) or has different irreconcilable stands on moral and global issues. However in our ciurrent life we have no choice but to be diverse thinkers and diverse doers.
Leigh,
these are all great ideas for creating a safe learning environment for all students & for helping students understand & appreciate the cultures of others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that it is important to make everyone feel safe & accepted. Each person's voice is valued. Teasing is NOT acceptable. Listening is always a priority. Introduce a small piece of a new concept, speak slowly, use gestures, & visual support. Check for understanding by asking student to give an example...tell one of their stories. Before long students are comfotable sharing & discusing. When students share stories they are able to identify common ground & they bond. Another technique that works well is to located students that speak the same language in the same location...that way the ones who understand can translate to the ones who need help...
Joyce,
yes one of the best things we can do is to gain, at the least, a "culture-general" perspective. This means we acknowledge the different cultures & that there are different ways of approaching the world & then we try to understand the more specific perspectives.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Dealing with Extreme Diverse Cultures requires in my opinion an open mind. The goal is to find things we have in common, that supports our reason for being in the moment. this creates a base line for respect to grow. I am going to keep looking for things that create more of what we want, rather than focusing on things that separate us.
Pedro,
this is a great question. Do you have any suggestions?
Dr. Ryan Meers
