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How to Minimize Negative Cultural Effects in the Classroom

The multicultural classroom has become more normative in educational settings. Teachers and students are finding that a good learning environment can be found amidst cultural differences. Steps must be taken to reduce any negative effects that the differences may bring. The key to doing this is planning ahead of time, as well as being open to change as the dynamics of classroom materials and communication styles change.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid stereotypes. Students should always feel that they are looked upon and respected for their cultural differences, and yet these differences should not be generalized. For example, a Muslim student may be offended if people of his culture are referred to as "Arabs" instead of "Middle Eastern." Repetitive images of cowboys and subservient Indians may cause discord for Native American students in the classroom.

    • 2

      Recognize that some interpretations of history may be incorrect or not include or highlight equally the contributions of minorities and those of differing cultures and ethnicities. One prominent example is in United States history books which can at times overlook the contributions of African Americans. Finding texts that are balanced and realistic yet offer information on multiple cultures will help the classroom become a more neutral space.

    • 3

      Communication styles should be allowed to be diverse. As experts at The College of New Jersey have noted, some students have different ways to respond and should be allowed to communicate in speaker/listener settings as they are comfortable. In this case, some students are comfortable in a call and response style, while others use a talk story format of learning more when broad ideas are presented.

    • 4

      Allow for correction. Mistakes will happen and as much as the classroom ideally is one of diversity and understanding, toes may occasionally be stepped on. Firm and appropriate correction of cultural errors should be paid close attention to. Teachers should allow students to approach them if they are offended to discuss problems. Students should be corrected if needed. One of the best ways to facilitate correction in students is to provide alternate information to offset the mistaken content.

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