5. Culture Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Cultural Bias?
Assessments or instruction unfairly favoring one cultural group, affecting ELs’ performance.
ELs refers to English Learners.
Define Cultural Relativism.
Understanding cultural practices in the context of the culture, not judging by external standards.
This concept promotes respect for diverse cultural practices.
What is the difference between Acculturation and Assimilation?
Acculturation involves adopting aspects of a new culture while retaining one’s own, while assimilation involves fully adopting the new culture.
Acculturation allows for cultural retention, whereas assimilation often leads to cultural loss.
What does Cultural Competence refer to?
Teachers’ ability to understand and respect students’ cultural backgrounds to create inclusive classrooms.
Cultural competence is crucial for effective teaching in diverse classrooms.
What is Stereotyping?
Assumptions about ELs based on cultural or ethnic groups, which can hinder learning.
Stereotyping can lead to misinterpretation of students’ abilities and needs.
Define Biculturalism.
The ability to navigate and integrate two cultures, supporting ELs’ identity and learning.
Bicultural individuals often draw strengths from both cultures.
What are Funds of Knowledge?
Leveraging ELs’ cultural and experiential knowledge as resources for learning.
This approach values the unique experiences that students bring to the classroom.
What is Cultural Responsiveness?
Teaching that affirms and incorporates ELs’ cultural identities to enhance engagement.
Culturally responsive teaching can improve student motivation and success.
Define Intercultural Competence.
Ability to communicate effectively across cultures, fostering ELs’ global awareness.
Intercultural competence is essential in a globalized world.
What is Ethnocentrism?
Viewing one’s own culture as superior, which can create barriers to EL learning.
Ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstandings and biases in educational settings.
What increases self-esteem and pride according to cultural pride?
Sharing one’s traditions and heritage
Example: A student sharing their cultural food and history with the class during a cultural day.
What can cause hesitation in students in a teacher-centered background?
Focus on the teacher as the primary source of knowledge
Example: A student from a student-centered culture might hesitate to ask questions in a highly authoritative classroom.
What is culture shock?
Discomfort or homesickness when adapting to a new culture
Example: A student who feels lost or isolated after moving to the U.S. and struggling to adjust to local customs.
Define assimilation in a cultural context.
Adopting the dominant culture’s practices while losing aspects of one’s own culture
Example: A student starts celebrating American holidays and using English at home while gradually abandoning their native language.
What do sociolinguists study regarding pragmatic rules?
How language is used in social contexts
Example: In some cultures, direct questions are considered rude, while in others, they are normal.
What can lead to potential misinterpretations across cultures?
Nonverbal cultural differences
Example: In some cultures, a thumbs-up gesture is positive, while in others it’s offensive.
What does integrating cultural content into lessons entail?
Incorporating diverse cultural material to make learning relevant
Example: A teacher includes diverse authors and stories from different countries to reflect cultural diversity.
What do individualistic cultures prioritize?
Personal success over group achievements
Example: A student from a Western culture might focus on personal recognition and awards rather than collective accomplishments.
How are language and culture related?
Language is deeply connected to culture, shaping each other
Example: Certain words or phrases in a language can express values or traditions that are important in that culture.
What is acculturation?
Adapting to a new culture while retaining elements of one’s own
Example: A student participates in American classroom activities but maintains strong family traditions from their native country.
What characterizes a collectivist background?
Emphasis on group harmony and community over individual achievement
Example: In a collectivist culture, a student may prefer group work and prioritize the success of the group over individual success.
What does encouraging cultural reflections foster?
Cross-cultural awareness
Example: Students are asked to write a reflection on how their cultural identity shapes their learning and social interactions.
How can cultural background influence learning style?
It can affect students’ preferred ways of learning
Example: Students from cultures with strong oral traditions may prefer group discussions or storytelling over written assignments.
