The Multicultural Classroom
Having a multicultural classroom is not only a rich and diverse place to be it can be a trying place for a new teacher. Should you be expected to know all the different cultures in your group? That's not so bad when you have only one group but what happens when you have more than two? What are ways for everyone to benefit from this rich cultural exchange? What tips can we share with new teachers?
There are some difficulties involved in having a multicultural classroom. BUT, they can be dealt with in a positive manner and create a healthy educational forum for all.
It's tough when a teacher find himself/herself with more than four or five different cultures within each group. No teacher can be expected to remember how different cultures think and act or what each find acceptable or not, that's why teachers are encouraged to keep notes of what works and what doesn't to refer back to as the years go on.
"You shouldn't pressure yourself into knowing all the rituals right from the start," says Petronella Beran, Director at Tyndale St-George Community Center, a multicultural center for new immigrants in Montreal, Quebec. "Every year, teachers get familiar with the important points and with time they get to know their students and their culture."
Just like the student teacher who developed activities in her class around a little boy's birthday. Balloons, a food activity, music and art were some of the activities. At the end of a great day of festivities, when the student teacher met with the supervisor, was received by her teacher and a big zero. The student teacher failed to verify that the little boy was a Jehovah Witness, therefore didn't celebrate birthdays. The student teacher had committed a cultural faux-pas.
"Every teacher has some homework to do," says Beran. "You're the teacher but think of it as an exchange. They'll learn from you but think of what you'll learn and gain from them. That's a healthier attitude."
If you're curious about the world, different cultures and other people --teaching in a multicultural class might be right for you. If you like challenges and can be flexible, those are also two qualities you will need.
When a teacher is preparing a program, it's important to remember that students have different learning styles. When in a multicultural class, not only will the students have different learning styles just like a monocultural class but within these styles will have complex cultural differences.
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