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FARAH ATHIRAHHANIS WARDAHNURUL ATIQAHNURUL ADIBAHSITI HAWA

CREATING A CULTURE-FRIENDLY CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

Teaching in multicultural classes2

ConfuciusAll men are pretty much alike. It is only by culture that they re set apart.

What isthe values, traditions, social and worldview shared by a group of people bound together by a combination of factors. (Derman and Sparks)Culture?

From this different values, traditions, we get the idea that learners tend to think differently from others based on their respective norms.4

What is Culture?Culture is the glue that binds a group of people together Douglas-Brown, 1994Culture is an elusive construct that shifts constantly over time and according to who is perceiving and interpreting it. Linda HarklauCulture is central to learning It plays a role in conveying and receiving information. It plays a role in shaping the thinking process.

Diversity of Learners andthe major goal of multicultural education is to transform the school so that the male and female students, exceptional learners, as well as students coming from diverse cultural, social-class, racial and ethnic groups will receive an equal opportunity to learn in school. -James BanksMulticultural Education

Students may differ in: Race Ethnic or religious groups Economic status Languages spoken Family backgroundSome could be stricken by poverty, unemployment, relocations, etc.

These are just some of the factors that affect their point of views.7

In order to do this, we need: Curricular and instructional modifications

(Different) Teaching styles

Re-examination of teachers attitudes, beliefs and perceptionIn the midst of this diversity, students are supposed to receive equal opportunities to education.

Thus to be able to meet this, it requires multiple approaches in teaching.

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This movement calledMULTICULTURAL EDUCATIONenables teachers and educators to give value to the differences in prior knowledge, experiences of learners from diverse background and familiarity with students histories of diverse cultures. (Haertel, 1998)

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Goals ofMulticultural Education:

Develop and foster a democratic and just society where all groups experience cultural democracy and empowermentImprove academic achievement of all studentsHelp the students to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to function within their own and other micro cultures, and within global communityProvide opportunities to gain cultural competency1234

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How do we achieve these GOALS?

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To achieve these goals, it is very important for teachers to be knowledgeable about differences in cultures, religion, ethnicity, and even the language spoken by the students.

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Suggestions to understand multi-cultural learners: (Fraser-Abner, 2001)Learn as much about and become as sensitive to and aware of racial, ethnic, cultural and gender groups other than your own

Never make assumptions about an individual based on their perception of that individuals race, ethnicity, culture or gender

And to assist teachers in understanding multicultural learners, Fraser and Abner offers suggestions, these are:13

Suggestions to understand multi-cultural learners: (Fraser-Abner, 2001)Avoid stereotyping

Get to know each student as a unique individual: Walk in the footsteps of all your students

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Other suggestions include:Look into your own conscious and subconscious biases about the people who are different from yourselves

Plan your activities within a multicultural framework while making your classroom a safe and secure place for all the students

Infuse multicultural instructional materials and strategies in your teaching

Foster collaboration and cooperation among your learners, parents and teachers

By considering these suggestions, we will be able to contribute to a caring and nurturing learning environment that embraces all students with different backgrounds.15

Start from Day 1One of the most important days in a classroom is thefirst day. Make sure you set the tone that you want to have for the entire term right from the get-go. You shouldestablish some ground rules, but you should also establish aclassroom community feelingearly on.Icebreakersare a great way to accomplish this on the first day. Warming up with a few of these will get students mingling, talking, and connecting with their peers

LearnLet students share about their different cultures. Towards the beginning of the term, allow students to interview one another to understand each other better. Work facts from their country or culture into your teaching examples (i.e. grammar sentences, quizzes, etc)

This helps tobreak down walls between studentsfrom other cultures. Additionally, work time in each class to let students share about their daily lives. This lets students get to know one another and practice language skills at the same time.As the teacher, dont be afraid to share real things from your life too. Most of all, dont be afraid of differences;celebrate the diversity in your classroom!

Its All About RespectRespect is the foundation for a successful classroom environment. From early on, stress the importance of respect in your classroom. Students need to understand how to respect one another and why this is important. As a teacher, you should model this for your students right from the beginning.

Respect is a two-way street, and students know when theyre not being respected. This is especially important if youre teachingadult EFL students; although their language production is limited, theyre not children, and they shouldnt be treated as such. Adults and children alike will give more respect to each other and to the teacher provided the teacher also respects them. Students know when a teacher genuinely cares about their success and will often work harder when they feel the respect and support from their teacher.

a caring environment will always enhance academic achievement.

As quoted that21