Cultural Self Reflection 1

Cultural Self Reflection

By: Carmen Wilson
Longwood University
Read 520: Teaching English Learners in A Multicultural Society
Instructor: Tammy Parlier
02/13/2022
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I really enjoyed doing my cultural application as well as reflecting on my cultural beliefs

and expectations for this paper. I made many discoveries throughout the process that had many

similarities and differences that EL learners face in regards to their beliefs and expectations. I am

eager to share my findings and relate them to my own personal life as well as in my classroom to

create a more cross-cultural zone.

When completing the multicultural application, making a list of the cultural groups that I

belonged to was harder than I expected. It was extremely hard to think of groups that I belonged

to other than I was a Caucasian American and female. The only other thing I could really think

of was that my mom was born in Germany but it didn’t really relate to me. I loved answering the

questions in regards to my most rewarding experiences and my most challenging experiences

relating to these categories, however it made me think that this also may be extremely difficult

for EL learners to complete. Although they may fit in multiple cultural categories or even a few

categories it is important for me to remember that culture is very complex and dynamic. Saifer,

Edwards, Ellis, KO & Stuczyski, 2011, states that “culture is always changing, because it can

manifest itself in different ways, and because aspects of culture are invisible” (Herrell, A. L., &

Jordan, M. (2020), pg 43). This in turn can make culture evolve and change its definition

completely. I feel that it is important to note that even though my cultural differences and beliefs

may differ from EL learners, that no one cultural group or beliefs are better than another.

I feel that my cultural reflections and beliefs play an important role inside my classroom

on a daily basis. Creating a cross-cultural zone that supports learners from diverse cultures is

extremely important this year. I have a very diverse group of students this year with 4 EL

Spanish speaking students, one who knows very limited English, students who have specialized

education services, as well as a hearing impaired student. It is important for me to give each of
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my students differentiated instruction as well as provide them with quality whole group

instruction that can meet all of their needs. I feel that the first step to this process would be to

reflect on the cultural values that are important in the classroom setting and make expectations in

regards to this within the classroom. The second part would be to get to know each of my

students' own values and beliefs, their family background and their interests. This will help me

within the classroom to create engaging activities based on their interests. I will also provide

opportunities for EL learners as well as my hearing impaired students to speak in their home

language as well as provide resources throughout the classroom on posters, anchor charts and in

literature to provide a visual and sense of their own culture to provide an open and positive

classroom environment.

Once this is completed and addressed then I can thoroughly become a culturally

responsive educator. I will follow the guidelines of culturally responsive teaching within the

classroom. The guidelines include: “Culturally responsive teaching is asset based, Culturally

responsive teaching places students at the center of learning, Culturally responsive teaching

values students’ language cultures, and backgrounds, and culturally responsive teaching

simultaneously challenges and supports students” (Herrell, A. L., & Jordan, M. (2020).). When

I look at these guidelines, this is what I aim to do to meet and support my learners from diverse

cultures. I will provide respect and empathy to all my learners and try to put myself in their shoes

when they face challenges as well as encourage them and celebrate them when they make

successes. I will provide opportunities for student-centered learning so others can learn from

each other. I will provide multiple opportunities and support their home language within my

classroom with a vast majority of resources. I will aim to always provide what is best for my

students.
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In conclusion, this assignment really made me think and opened my eyes up to how we

are all different and that everyone's cultural beliefs, values, and norms are unique. Every person,

every student has their own history, their own beliefs and we have to understand that each one is

valued and important. We must not overlook others and we need to strive to do better by putting

ourselves in others' shoes. We must not disregard others' beliefs, feelings, or culture, if we can do

this then we can make learning more efficient in our classrooms and provide a culturally sound

environment inside and outside of the classroom.

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References

Edwards, A. (2011). Building common knowledge at the boundaries between professional

practices: Relational agency and relational expertise in systems of distributed expertise.

International Journal of Educational Research, 50(1), 33-39.

doi:10.1016/j.ijer.2011.04.007

Herrell, A. L., & Jordan, M. (2020). 50 strategies for teaching English language learners.

Pearson.