Cultural Competency

Working with Diversity

in the Classroom

What is culture?

Culture is made up of: Values

Beliefs

and Patterns of Behavior.

What we see of culture is just the tip of the iceberg.

Value orientations may affect learning…

Egalitarian

Informal

Hierarchical

Formal

Authority

Consider “American” values

as they relate to the following:

Relational

Independence Interdependence

Individualism Collectivism Competition Cooperation

Activity

• Doing

Being

Time

Limited!

Evolving

Abundant

Historical , Past-oriented

Communication Style

High Context

Low Context

Cultural competence

“Developing skills in cultural competence is like learning a language, a sport or an instrument. The learner must learn, re-learn, continuously practice, and develop in an environment of constant change. Cultures

and individuals are dynamic — they constantly adapt and evolve..."

http://www.k12.wa.us/cisl/eliminatingthegaps/culturalcompetence/default.aspx

Framework for dealing with cultural issues that arise in the classroom

1. Describe (to yourself) what you observe. Be objective and stick to the facts.

2. Evaluate what it might mean. What cultural factors might be at play?

3. Interpret how it makes you feel.

THEN

4. Think what you might do in the classroom.