02/16/2021; Week 07; Response to Cross-Cultural Students in the Classroom

In different cultures, some people are more expressive than others. There are many different subcultures in the United States. In the Northeastern part of the country, people are more expressive. In contrast, in states from the west, such as Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, people are less expressive. Teachers in classrooms come across African American students who, by nature, are very expressive. Sometimes white teachers might feel these students are bad or rude because of the way they say things or the way they do things. They are not being necessarily bad or rude, they are just being themselves. It is part of their culture. Also, students from Asia will be less expressive in comparison to white students. It is also worth mentioning that Hispanic students will be more expressive. Teachers need to realize that these variances are due to the student’s cultural rules.

There have been studies done where Asian students came to universities in the United States and had shared what they experienced during their time as college students. They admired the education system of the universities. They like the opportunity to develop a relationship with the professors and the fact that they can go to the teacher’s office and visit without being intimidated. They enjoy how teachers give the student the freedom to debate topics, ask questions and engage in critical thinking. However, they think that American students are crude and disrespectful in class and with the teacher. The Asian students said that American students are rude when they come late to class. American students walk out of the room before the teacher finishes his lesson. They eat in class and read the newspaper. They place their feet on the rack of the desk in front of them.

One of the cardinal rules of anthropology is that outsiders see the real culture better than the insiders. When one of my American friends went to visit Mexico for the first time; He pointed out several things that people in Mexico do that were offensive to him. But he also noticed things that he liked about the Mexican culture. I thought it was interesting that all the things he noticed, for me were very normal. Being aware of cross-cultural differences is essential to avoid misunderstandings at work, school, with friends, and especially with your students. 

I live in the United States now, and I have met many people from different parts of the world. My goal is to be a tolerant person and deal wisely with different opinions and points of view. I think that one of the things I would do in my classes is to do a survey with questions that will help me to understand my students' culture better. I want my students to walk into my classroom and feel my admiration and respect regardless of their background.


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