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Cultural Sensitivity in the ClassroomCultural sensitivity in the classroom is extremely important for any native TEFL/tesol teacher. Teaching English as a second or foreign language means that you will be working with people whose native language is not English and therefore we can assume that they are not of the same culture as the English teacher . If we are not sensitive to the cultures of our students as tefl teachers that means that we do not respect the nature of this particular job and perhaps we should think about looking for a different job. ?When in Rome, do as the Romans do ?, could not be a better saying to use. When teaching in another country that is not one?s own, one cannot expect to experience the same food, working hours, rules, laws (specifically the labour laws), religions, and common sense (among others) that one is used to in his/her own country. Specific to teaching in a classroom setting teachers must be prepared to leave all expectations in the airplane before landing in the country where they will be teaching and show respect, understanding and interest in the student?s culture; otherwise the teachers could be setting themselves up for a negative experience and a negative cultural exchange. Specifically within the classroom setting, teachers should be briefed beforehand as to how to act in a classroom setting in that particular country. A teacher needs to make a great first impression to gain the confidence of his/her students and have a successful class. If on the first day a teacher shows up and begins calling the students by their last names, and the students of that country feel it is rude to call someone by their last name, their first impression of the teacher will be negative and they will not feel confident and comfortable with that teacher. Part of our job as tefl teachers is not only to teach the English language but also to share the culture and customs of english speaking countries. If we make a first bad impression, students may think that people of our country are rude and disrespectful. However if they feel confident and comfortable with the teacher, with time that teacher will be able to share his/her culture with the students in a positive manner. However, in order to do this, the teacher must start off by being sensitive towards the student?s culture in order to ?get in good? with the students and gain the necessary respect to have a successful and positive English class and cultural exchange. If the teacher shows respect, interest and knowledge about the student?s culture, than the teacher can use this information as a way to teach the ?North American? culture (for example), by using comparisons and contrasts with the students own culture. This must always be practiced in the most respectful manner as to not upset or offend anyone. Being culturally sensitive in the classroom will help a great deal in the experience of a tefl teacher. A confident and comfortable classroom makes for a positive learning environment; the students will be excited to learn more English and will show lots of interest in learning all about this new culture that they hope to one day experience.
