Importance Of Culture In The Classroom

In modern educational environments teachers are faced with an increasing number of diverse students in their classrooms, having come from a variety of ethnic and cultural background, which in turn influences the way each individual student understands and learns the curriculum. As a result of this a teachers preparation and approach must be aligned with this knowledge.

Richard Gargiulo provides a definition of culture as being "the attitudes, values, belief systems, norms, and traditions shared by a particular group of people who collectively form their heritage (2006)." As Pratt-Johnson (2006) points out, “culture goes far beyond the climate, food, and clothing of a student 's native country.” A learner 's culture influences the way they

Some have even likened it to that of an iceberg, as only the top is visible, whilst the majority is hidden (Hofstede, 1991). In order for teachers to become more competent there is an array of challenges to overcome not to mention situations that could initially cause offence, loss in trust or shock. This means that being culturally competent in the classroom involves accepting and understanding how each culture is different despite surface similarities, and as Pratt-Johnson (2006) notes, how ‘cultures differ under the surface and how cultures respond differently to similar

The theory consists of the following dimensions; The Power Distance Index which defined as “the extent to which the less powerful members of organisations and institutions accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.” Individualism vs. collectivism, which explores the “degree to which people in a society are integrated into groups.” The Uncertainty Avoidance Index which is defined as “ a society 's tolerance for ambiguity.’ Masculinity vs. femininity focuses on the extent to which a society priorities achievement or nurture. Long-term orientation vs. short-term orientation associates the connection of the past with the current and future actions/challenges. And finally Indulgence vs. restraint, a measure of happiness; whether or not simple joys are fulfilled (Hofstede, 2011).

Hofsteads cultural theory is aptly demonstrated through the relationship between teacher and student. Teachers from hierarchical cultures approach their job from a position of respect, and thus expect their students to behave in ways that demonstrate such. As result of this, students approach teachers as if they hold all the answers and can provide any information needed. Due to this hierarchy there is often little debate between the two due to it’s perceived lack of respect for the teacher (Viewpoint Innovation,