Teach English in Lizi XiAng - Chongqing

Cultural SensitivityIn the TEFL classroom, it is very important to recognise cultural differences in the teacher as well as the learner. Differences can cause misunderstandings or have uncomfortable situations. Teachers must never assume anything of the student?s ability because of their cultural background. young learners in my class are sat at tables because of their ability, some finishing tasks much quicker than others and therefore we give them colouring to do in activity books to keep them motivated, whilst the slower learners have more time to finish the task given. In any Country, wherever you teach, the teacher should have knowledge and respect for the culture they are living in. Here in egypt, we are not allowed to wear short skirts, the shoulders and upper arms must be covered, but it is not a requirement to have our heads covered, unless entering a Mosque or Church. The Egyptian Government have holidays for which the School abides by?.Ramadam, Eid, Policeman?s Day, etc. The main cultural factors here in egypt are the boys are brought up with the role of being the breadwinner. Girls are brought up for household chores, childbearing and family roles. Men pray every Friday in the Mosque, weekends are Friday and Saturday so the school week is Sunday to Thursday. Eye contact is also part of the culture and shows respect and that you are listening to them. Due to some cultural backgrounds, physical education activities maybe resisted at first. I have already experienced one Mother who wouldn?t allow her daughter to hold hands or touch another boy in the class when we planned to have the children walking in pairs, holding hands, onto the stage area for a year end presentation. The Mother was rather upset by the physical contact so we just said for them to walk on the stage together and no touching. In thailand it is considered rude to point and of great indignity to publically show any anger. The King and the Royal Family are very highly regarded in thailand by everyone. It would easily offend anyone to generate ignorant dialogue about their King. Some students are not accustomed to directly look at a figure of authority or to an older person. A teacher must not assume for any reason that students are unable to learn based on a sterotype of the culture. A teacher may have had a bad experience, previously, but other students may have lots of potential and should be able to show this to their advantageous and the teacher to give full encouragement. There could also be problems if there is an issue of a clash between the student and the structure of the school they are attending. In parts of America many teachers face a problem of racial remarks and of skin colour. Some Countries the local people do not visit other Countries. They may work in one area and only visit their own town when able to hence no travelling experience and therefore to ask ?Where did you go for your holidays?? may give you a class of very confused expressions. In conclusion, cultural sensitivity is very important. A teacher should always research the culture of the Country they are teaching in and adapt their approach in the classroom. The teacher must look and behave dutifully, be respected, be respectful towards others and be dignified, as it is their responsibility to have the students in an environment in which they are comfortable, confident and ready to learn, regardless of their cultural background.