6/2/2020; W7: Differences in Manners

Differences in Manners: Neutralizing the Cross-Cultural Classroom



https://images.app.goo.gl/7qY3iHh8PPMMB22h9


Behaviors of our learners are surely affected by their culture. Some students, Asians especially Filipinos, may follow the sign "Please Smile at Strangers" because they are by nature and culture accommodating and polite to strangers. But to some, like Americans. may not do it because they are not allowed by their parents to talk to strangers, so why smile at them?.

There are many differences in manners that students may exhibit in the classroom. Students' behavior can be pleasing or disturbing or unacceptable but they may not know it. The classroom or the school is the one place we expect our children to be taught and to be refined.

It is then disturbing to see students or teachers behave in a manner that may not conform to a man well- educated and refined.


How do we neutralize differences in manners inside a cross-cultural classroom?


Setting Expectations at the very start of the class could be the answer. Hathaway (2015) asserted that students' behavior expectations are rules and procedures taught to students to encourage positive behaviors and prevent problem behaviors.

Teachers are in charge of discipline in the classroom. KnowlegeReview (2020) published that setting of expectations will maintain order and decorum in the classroom. It will help students to mature and develop social skills and also lessen the stress level among the teachers.

Does it work?

In my class,  yes it does. I set the rules with the participation of the students of course at the first day of our meeting. We talked about the rules, rewards and consequences for late issues, what sign to make when going to the rest room so as not to disturb the class, talking to teachers and classmates and others.  During this meeting, the atmosphere was  relax and I made sure everyone understand and agrees with the decision. At the end of the semester, I could say that it was a success.

Oh, I also empower them by organizing class officers who helped in the class discipline and other activities too.

Again, it is setting the expectation at the very start of the class that will neutralize differences in manners. Do you agree?



References:

Hathaway,E. (2015) . How to set consistent expectation to improve student behavior
https://www.kickboardforschools.com/blog/post/behavior-management/the-value-of-consistent-expectations/ Retrieved: June 2, 2020

KnowlegeReview (2020) Establishing classroom expectations is important for better outcomes.
https://theknowledgereview.com/establishing-classroom-expectations-is-important-for-better-outcomes/ Retrieved: June 2, 2020