How do I teach cultural behaviors?

How do I teach cultural behaviors?

In a Chinese language classroom, we teach the culture as well as the language. There are many things we cover in our lesson plans. One of the most effective ways of teaching cultural behaviors is through teacher modeling. If we think about it carefully, we are not trying to make our learners into Chinese persons. Our goal in teaching the Chinese culture or introducing cultural behaviors is to impart knowledge and foster the appreciation and understanding of the Chinese language and culture. In order to do so, we, as teachers, must first demonstrate through our won behaviors our acceptance, appreciation, and understanding of all cultures and languages to say the least. We must be the role model of what we advocate.

Chinese teachers, especially those who are originally from Chinese speaking areas and are not very familiar with K-12 classroom cultures in the U.S., need to be aware of the following. Some behaviors are classroom management taboos. Here are a few important tips:

1) Do respect learners regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, socio-economical status, physical ability, and sexual orientation.

2) Do be faire and constructive with your comments to students.

3) Invite students to talk or to participate with the whole or open hand “invitation” gesture. Do not use a finger to point at a student when referring to a student or asking a student to answer a question.

4) Never humiliate or make fun of a student.

5) Do not physically touch a student.

6) Do not show your concern for a student’s appearance by making personal remarks. High school students would not appreciate it.

7) Do not try to be a friend or a parental figure to students.