Dealing with cultural differences in the classroom
Credit to Author: Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer| Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2019 02:27:31 +0000
When we add newcomers to the diverse student mix in a typical Canadian post-secondary classroom, we have the possibility of delight as well as tension.
The delight is the opportunity for students to learn from each other and develop an appreciation of how others do things. On the other hand, tensions can develop leading to friction which could cause individual, classroom and institutional problems.
Expect differences
Most Canadian post-secondary schools are now quite diverse and students are used to studying with others from many cultural backgrounds. Nonetheless, some differences can cause difficulties.
For instance, if your culture does not approve of male and female students mixing and working together, this can interfere with getting your group work done. Talking, meeting and working with all of your classmates is often part of the curriculum, as it is in most workplaces.
Another area could be if your teacher’s culture or the culture of the work you are training for is not entirely compatible with your own. For example, a nursing student may be expected to interact with patients in a way that she may consider culturally wrong. Or a student studying to work with at-risk youth may find the explicit language used in the classroom offensive. These are the kinds of additional challenges you can expect if you study in a culture that is not familiar to you.
Feeling excluded or puzzled
You may find some students who share a similar language like sitting together in the cafeteria. This is not usually meant to exclude others but nonetheless, it can be a social barrier; just as not being able to tell when someone’s smile is just friendly or if it indicates a stronger interest. Remember that understanding the subtleties of studying and socializing in a different culture does take time. Just as there isn’t a universal grading system, there isn’t one of making and keeping friendships.
Misunderstandings can also happen when you are unfamiliar with certain behaviours in post-secondary settings. Along with the excitement of learning and meeting new people, expect a certain amount of stress and discomfort as part of the experience.
Disagreement on disagreements
Some cultures are more assertive than others. Some students are quite comfortable challenging the teacher and their classmates during a discussion. To them, generally no bad feelings are attached to this. Debate, offering alternate perspectives, lively discussions, and questioning are all part of their academic and cultural background. On the other hand, some students might consider this behavior unacceptable and rude.
Canadian classrooms generally fall in the middle of a continuum between challenging to quiet acceptance; however, much depends on the atmosphere set by the professor, which may also be based on his or her own culture. In Canadian classrooms there is usually tolerance to voicing disagreement, especially if respect is obvious in the content of what is said. This can be demonstrated through the tone of voice used and certain behaviours, for example raising your hand and being acknowledged before speaking. In smaller classes, participation may be expected, so be ready with your comments. Being polite is expected even if you disagree, and generally, students can be expected to be treated fairly by the professor.
Some things aren’t worth imitating
Some behaviours frowned upon by faculty and other students could be common in Canadian schools. These include being continually late, talking in class while the teacher is speaking, conversing loudly in the elevator or halls, failing to show up or do your share of group work, etc. Just because you may observe this around you, doesn’t mean it is acceptable and you do not need to copy these behaviours. Imitating these less than admirable aspects could slow you down both academically and socially. When in doubt about what is appropriate, consult your school’s International Centre, a peer mentor or a counsellor. They are generally eager to help immigrant and international students adjust to Canadian culture.
Should you change?
Differences can pop up anywhere. When culture gets in the way you may wonder if you should change yourself or find a setting that is more compatible with your own values. You (possibly with the help of your family) are the only one who make the decision. However, many students seem to manage cultural differences without too much difficulty.
Being in close proximity to others you wouldn’t normally meet may be stressful but full of opportunities. Learning to get comfortable with others, including their values, doesn’t usually mean you have to abandon yours. Some cultures do clash; however, as long as you allow consideration, fairness and respect for others guide your behavior, no one should object to the differences. Besides, Canadian academic values are continually evolving; you might have a say as to which direction.