TESL-0160- Lesson 1-Cultural Awareness

There are always some biases in the classroom. Many teachers could bring biases to the classroom
unconsciously. These biases could be related to the teachers’ culture and background or even
her/his mind-set. It is really hard for a teacher to control these biases and fairly behave. In this context
where students are coming from all over the world, it makes it harder to control. The teacher have to
know what could be a taboo topic in the classroom.

I think one of the most important things in the classroom is cultural awareness. We as a teacher should
know our content and have a good knowledge about their cultures. As Jenkis mentioned, “knowledge
of the local culture is imperative. Even if teachers may not agree with certain practices or beliefs upheld
by the local community, with this knowledge they should be able to discern the appropriate from the
inappropriate and better understand the teaching context. This can be achieved by doing the following:
learning about the function of English in the local community, learning extensively about the culture to
determine cultural (in)appropriateness, developing materials (if none are available) or tailoring materials
to be culturally appropriate and so that the local culture is represented”(2008).

Cultural awareness is not only for teachers; it is good to create an environment for students to learn  
about their cultures. “The teacher can create a learning environment that recognizes students' different
cultures in a meaningful way. Classroom rules should be posted in all appropriate languages. Decorations
such as country maps, flags, and pictures of prominent leaders can bring a taste of each nation into the
ESL classroom in a positive way. Students should be encouraged to work with others from different cultures.
Savvy teachers can arrange group projects designed to encourage students to share and explore one
another's cultures” (Your Dictionary, 2018).

The goal of ESL classroom and cultural sensitivity practices should be to impress upon students the value
of embracing and understanding their new culture while still celebrating their old cultures.

References:

Jenkins, S. (2008). Adopting an intercultural approach to teaching English as an international language.
Essential Teacher 5(4), 19-21. Retrieved fromhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/258242671_Adopting
_an_intercultural_approach_to_teaching_English_as_an_international_language

ESL Classroom and Cultural Sensitivity (2018). Retrieved from: https://esl.yourdictionary.com/lesson-plans/esl_
classroom-and-cultural_sensitivity.html