Cultural Diversity

1.1 Explain how cultural diversity influences learning.

• Different cultures have different attitudes and values about learning - some are beneficial to learning and others are not. 
• Language can be a huge barrier. Many students are hesitant to drop their use of non-standard English or to primarily use English at all out of fear of alienation from their peers and parents.
• Members of some minorities view succeeding in school as rejecting their native culture. Students who choose to succeed academically may risk losing the friendship of peers. Students who hold to this view may form "resistance cultures" where learning is not supported or is even opposed.
• Some cultures, such as the Vietnamese and other Asian cultures, strongly emphasize hard work, perseverance, and pride in their homes which can be seen in their academic studies.
• Indian cultures also have a high work ethic and determination.

1.2 Describe three ways in which effective teachers respond to cultural diversity in their classrooms.

• Accepting and valuing cultural differences.
• Show interest in all your students, devote time to them outside of the classroom, and involve everyone equally in learning activities. Make it known that you welcome and value all students.
• Accommodating different patterns of cultural interaction.
• Recognize what makes your students uncomfortable and what they enjoy and adapt your instruction to meet their needs. Offering choices allows students to be exposed to existing school cultures while allowing them to keep their native identities. This helps them learn our culture while honoring and valuing theirs.
• Building on students' cultural backgrounds.
• Learn about your students' cultures and integrate it into classroom learning activities. This increases interest, personal pride, and motivation in the students and allows them to connect what they learn to their own lives.

1.3 Describe the relationship between urban schools and cultural diversity.

• Urban areas have higher densities of cultural minorities. (In many urban areas, they're actually not the minorities.) Cultural diversity in these areas are the result of immigration ("gateway cities") and higher birth rates.