05/21/2019 Week 2: Cultural Paradigms

Cultural Paradigms

Do you know what is a paradigm?

In science and philosophy, a paradigm is a distinct set of concepts or thought patterns, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards for what constitutes legitimate contributions to a field (Wikipedia).

So now let's link paradigms with culture...

Each culture has its own paradigms and all societies are marked for them. These paradigms may change through time but they always have the same essence. 

In all your life you probably have heard about many cultures and their habits. Maybe you got surprised or scared, I don't know. But what I really know is that this culture paradigms make each culture different and beautiful in their own way.

In the past, all the cultures and people staid in their own places, but these days we are one big diverse family.  We are more familiar with persons of other countries and learning about cultures is part of our everyday. 

TESOL and CULTURE PARADIGMS

English is one of the most popular languages around the world. This language connects cultures and persons. As English Teachers, we need to be ready for teaching to everybody. 

Apply these tips in your classroom:

• You need to study and investigate your student's beliefs and cultures. 
• The first day of the class learn all possible about your students! 
• Plan a meeting with the parents of your students and talk about what are the challenges that they're having. 
• Do not call your students by their nationalities or physical characteristic. Call them by their own names.

Sometimes culture differences could increase your students' anxiety and create the "learning filter". Don't worry! It is totally natural. But you should gain your students' confidence. Try to implement activities which develop the value of "working together". 

Do we (teachers) must implement culture activities? 

YES!

Do not be afraid about talking or teaching about cultures. You need to be prepared for teaching about RESPECT. Cultural activities are rich in knowledge and all classroom must integrate them. Link these topics with values and teach your students about the beautiful diversity that we have here on Earth and why it makes uniques! 

TEACHERS, PARENTS, AND STUDENTS. 

For reaching all these goals we need to work like a "triangle" which is conformed by the teacher, the student, and parents. Get to know your students and their families. Talk with them the class goals and ask for their help. Remember that parents are the first students' teachers. 

MY EXPERIENCE

For me teaching about it is really a pleasure. Cultures have a great value to me. I try to create a home environment in class, where students from different parts can feel like at "home". I love my students and I love learning about them. All my students are different, anyone is the same, they're special to me and they are just exactly who inspire me!

TESOL is a big area of teaching, you can find it in every country .The most important step in this field is to accept and love others no matter where your students come from.