How Culture Affects Teaching and Learning?

Culture plays a big role when it comes to teaching and learning.  It is very important for schools and educators to recognize the vast number of diverse students that enter schools today.  When it comes to education in the United States all students deserve an equal opportunity for success.  The old way of thinking that the dominant culture rules and all other ethnic/social economic groups must adapt to their teaching and learning style (Lynch, para. 1 & 2) is no longer the norm.

            As outlined in the article “The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Teaching and Learning”, Lynch recounts the importance of acknowledging and accepting the many different “racial and ethnic groups”.  While recognizing the differences both teachers and administrators must also be able to distinguish between culture characteristics (for example in the Asian culture Chinese and Japanese may share some of the same characteristics, but in many instances they have their own unique identity) (Lynch, para. 2).       
            The reality of teaching and learning in the 21^st century is that the makeup of classrooms is diverse, with students who come from a melting-pot of different cultures.  It is a teacher’s responsibility to ensure that all students are equipped with the necessary tools for success.  Jean Piaget’s philosophy that true learning occurs as a result of what someone has already experienced or is familiar with only confirms how vital it is for teachers to include lessons that celebrate student’s differences. When educators fail to recognize and teach cultural differences students from culturally diverse backgrounds might feel isolated and even frustrated forcing them to shut down and give up on learning (Lynch, para 3 & 4). Based on my own experience in the classroom when students feel appreciated and accepted they view learning in a more positive way.

References

Lynch, M (2011, May). The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Teaching and Learning. Retrieved, October 5, 2012, from http://www.educationnews.org/commentaries/opinions_on_education/155587.html