Cross-Cultural Students in the Classroom 

June 1, 2021.       TESOL 103 --Week 7

   In a TESOL classroom, there may be many different cultures represented.  Learning about these cultures and understanding their opinion about the American classroom they are in, can expand each student's as well as the teacher's perceptions.  This can lead to greater understanding, tolerance, and appreciation for everyone.

   For example, some Asian students expressed an appreciation for the way in which disabled students were treated in the United States.  Until I learned about this appreciation, I had taken it for granted that this was how they were treated everywhere.  It is good to learn otherwise.

These same Asian students were not impressed by some of the behaviors of students in the United States.  They mentioned that they were crude and inconsiderate.  I have noticed this also about some students.  However, I have wondered if this is a symptom of the classroom or  the homes in which these students are raised. 

   I have noticed over the years, that more and more behavioral teachings are being expected of teachers.  Many years ago, the home was where right and wrong was taught.  Teachers were expected to teach facts about arithmetic, science, and language, and leave opinions and behavior teachings to the parents.  This has gradually changed to teachers being expected more and more to teach proper behavior as well as education.  This is hard for teachers to do because they do not have the authority; they do not have the training; and they do not have the right to do so.

   When a teacher gets involved with moral training, parents have the right to object.  But teachers should also have the right to expect more from the parents.  When both do their parts, it is a win-win situation, and the students are the biggest winners of all.