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Cultural sensitivity in the classroomOur world to day is faced with various cultures and the excepting of each other cultures, beliefs and norms as well. Culture does not only entail which country, city or suburb you come from. Your culture includes your heritage, your religion, your parent?s norms and values, the teaching system you are learning in, your work system and your own view of the world. When a teacher is faced with a classroom of diverse cultures, the opportunity must be grabbed and used to the utmost of each students potential for learning. Each student can teach the rest of the group so much of themselves and their own world, while learning a new language or developing their language skill at the same time. The teacher will have to ensure he/she understand each child?s culture as much as possible and not to step on any toes during any of the class activities. This will enquire a bit of research on the teacher?s side. A teacher can use a theme early during the course where learners can tell each other more about their culture. The teacher can use this knowledge and pair students, certain times different cultures together and at other times the same or most alike cultures together. Some difficulties teachers can face are for example the use of pigs, pork, bacon (either the word or pictures) in a class that includes muslim children or students. The teacher will then have to ensure that this type of content is not included in their presentation, activities or tests. However, if another learner uses the word, the teacher should not make too much of a fuss, otherwise sensitivity will be experienced by the user and the muslim learner. Other classroom problems that can arise, is where females and males are treated differently in their cultures. The teacher must make it apparent that they respect the culture, but in the classroom all students are equal with an equal goal and aim to achieve. Only when it is a very sensitive case, do I feel need and care should be taken in activities that can offend. Finally, I think in best handling any cultural sensitivities, it is the job of the teacher to prepare well beforehand. When you are appointed for a job, make sure you understand the country and community you are entering. The community in the larger realm, the country you are teaching in, the country?s laws and rules, as well as the smaller realm of that community, the suburb or city you will be teaching in, as to how the country?s people see their community in the specific area you will be joining. Teaching preparation does not just start and end in the classroom. You will have to learn about the students, before you can help them learn your language. Your planning and teaching will spread further out than just your classroom. This is what most people do not understand if they do not teach themselves.
