Running heading: MINI CONFERENCE REFLECTION
Basics of Culture
October 4, 2012
Review - What did you learn?
Saturday, September 29, 2012, mini conference was very informative. Each speaker (Translator/Interpreter) provided information that allowed me to gain a greater understanding of their culture. Vesna Vujinovic from Bvosnia emphasized a number of key points about her culture and the people of Bosnia. Bosnia is located in Southeastern Europe. Ms. Vujinovic told us how large villages still exist and people continue to dress in their native costumes. There are basically three languages spoken, and because of the turmoil, unrest, and refugee camps when people hear certain sounds such as alarms there is a sense of unrest. Education is important to the people of Bosnia so Ms. Vujinovic shared a few tips about ways educators can make parents/guardians feel welcomed. Making eye contact, using a confident/strong tone, and displaying sensitivity are all positive aspects for creating a positive environment. Discussing politics and religion is looked upon as being negative, therefore it is not recommended. Overall, the people of Bosnia are family orientated and considered to be a very loving culture (Vujinovic, 2012).
Beatrize Uribe was the Spanish interpreter. She shared with us that Spanish people are considered both Hispanic and Latino with the exception of those individuals residing in Spain. Uribe stressed that depending on where a person was from the dialogue would be different, the pronunciation of the alphabet/sounds were different from that of the United States as well. Also economic status played a huge part in the manner in which families participated in a child’s educational progress. Pointers emphasized were to investigate if there was a parent that could help out with homework, if parents were computer literate, and if requesting time off from their job would cause a conflict when scheduling events and teacher conferences (Uribe, 2012).
Eunsook Lee from Korean and Yisu Brasel from Chinese were two translators who shared very similar cultural paths. The belief in a higher educational and honoring the elderly were held in high esteem shared by both Lee and Brasel. A few helpful tips stressed by Brasel was that Chinese parents find many of the extra curriculum activities to be very confusing one example given was fundraisers. Lee and Brasel both agreed that in their country such activities were a waste of time instead time should be spent on educating children. In the Chinese culture gender is not recognized (boys and girls are the same – parts of speech are not common). In other words the Chinese and English language has a very different translation. Lee brought out how the belief was that when it came to discipline, parent’s believed children will eventually grow out of their behavior. Another tip that Lee expressed which I never knew was that writing a child’s name in red (meant blood) was considered to be negative (Brasel & Lee, 2012).
Reflect – What did it mean to you?
This mini conference provided me with a greater insight to different cultures. It allowed me to see that there is a lot to learn about the cultures of many non-English speaking students that I may encounter. Being able to participate in such a conference as this one will no doubt help me to better understand and serve ELL students and their families. Currently I have a total of nineteen students in my class and twelve of them are identified as ELL’s. Eleven out of the twelve students are Hispanic so much of the information provided by Uribe gave me a little more insight into how my students might be processing their words/understanding of content. I knew there were variations in letter sounds, but did not realize it played such a huge role when it came to reading, writing, and understanding content.
In addition to listening and learning about the five cultures, I attend two breakout sessions. The first was “Bridging the Divide Between the GCPS Culture and the Cultures of ELs and Families”. In this session Elizabeth Webb, talked about the different points of views that lied between GCPS verses the ELL. In Webb’s presentation she highlighted how culture extend beyond just music and art, she went on to explain how cultured was “formed by human experiences”. Webb also pointed out that in many cases the views of non-English language parents within Gwinnett County and that of ELL parents was different in that one viewed education as a privilege because it was not a norm. GCPS Culture is also committed to CQI (continuous quality improvement), accountability, data, and commitment to achievement, support/intervention, and so much more (Webb, 2012).
Refine- How will you use the information in your classroom?
The second session I attended “Immigration in Picture Books”, was resourceful largely due to the opportunity to read/scan a few books that I believe would help me to grow as an educator, as well as assisting my students with obtaining a better understanding of others along with embracing differences. At the same time I am a believer that pictures and there is a saying that says “pictures are worth a thousand words”. During teacher and parent conferences this week I was able to reflect on what Uribe stated about many parents may not be fortunate to get off from work to attend their child’s conference. A similar incident occurred with one of my student’s father who was informed that his conference date was scheduled for Tuesday, but instead he showed up on Monday. It was through the translation of my student that I found out that Monday was his day off and the only day he had available to meet with me. Without hesitation I asked my student to translate for her father that I would be delighted to meet with him in the media center where a translator would be able to assist us. Ultimately, I believe the information that I have acquired will allow me to serve my students and their families better now and in the future.
References
Brasel, Y. (2012, September). ESOL Endorsement Mini Conference. Suwanee, Georgia, USA.
Lee, E. (2012, September). ESOL Endorsement Mini Conference. Suwanee, Georgia, USA.
Uribe, B. (2012, September). ESOL Endorsement Mini Conference. Suwanee, Georgia, USA.
Vujinovic, V. (2012, September). ESOL Endorsement Mini Conference. Suwanee, Georgia, USA.
Webb, E. (2012, September). ESOL Endorsement Mini Conference. Suwanee, Georgia, USA.
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