CULTUREas a distracter of instruction…

Cultural beliefs may place more importance on some aspects of life, survival, science, ethics, morals, etc. and not as much on others.

Those aspects regarded as essential will be learned first while others may or may not be learned at all.

This is just one way in which culture affects learning because it has an effect on what is learned.

Some cultures value education very highly and parents take an active role in ensuring that educational goals are met by their children.

Within their individual cultures, children learn by word and by example what is valued and what is not.

Nutrition also has an impact on mental growth. In cultures with traditional foods that don't provide a balanced diet, brain development can be stunted.

These are just a few ways in which culture affects learning.

Common Practice:

Teachers test children on new skills they are learning so to assess a child’s level of acquisition.

Problem:

American Indian children are taught to learn through modeling and practice.

Children are uncomfortable in demonstrating their skill level until they have reached mastery.

Common Practice:

When teachers ask questions of children in the classroom, they expect a verbal response from the child.

Problem:

American Indian children are taught to be comfortable with silence. When a child does not verbally respond to a teacher, the child may be considered rude or incompetent.

Common Practice:

Teachers often have competitions within school activities or assignments to see who the first to get done is or who can do the task the best.

Problem:

American Indian students are taught to work in unity and to help others for the benefit of the group, not solely to benefit his or her own.

Possible Solution:

Teachers need to allow students time to privately practice learning new skill.

Teachers can request volunteers to demonstrate. This should be private and not be a public display.

Possible Solution:

Do not publicly address students who are quiet learners. If a student is doing fine in class and chooses not to answer, allow this silent behavior.

Possible Solution:

Teachers should emphasize cooperative work assignments as opposed to competitive activities within the classroom.

Cast of Characters:

Ramos, Nenisa P.as the P.E. teacher

Avanceña, Syvel Mignonette Dy

as the English teacher

Benito, Shara E. as the History teacher

Cast of Characters:

Sumagang, Lavern M.Capoy, Lorellee M.

as the students

and

Tamparong, Jefrey M.as the American Indian boy

References:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/642501.stm

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110421181158AANqvJw