Considerations about support services
They may not be used to expressing their personal opinions。
They are seldom asked to contribute an alternate view that reflects conditions in other countries
Concepts which do not exist in all cultures are difficult. This includes privacy, democratic processes, rights of citizens, free will
Students may feel excluded from class activities due to language barriers
The peer pressures that may exist in school, the formation of cliques, and the possible disconnect between in-school
How can understanding language learner identities promote multiculturalism and enhanced learning outcomes for the student?
Educators who understand learner identities and multiculturalism are more equipped in the classroom to meet individual learner goals in language learning.
Understanding the cultural context of the learners helps educators to bridge the learner’s mother tongue and the language being learned in the classroom。
By creating individualized learner profiles, educators foster a culturally supportive environment that leads to greater student academic achievement.
Educators will have a better understanding of the child’s homelife and can relate to their students from an empathetic, equitable, equal, or just position and provide resources or solutions to the students and their families
Why is understanding learner identities and multiculturalism important?
It can help students build a sense of belonging in the classroom and better adapt to the learning environment
A multicultural classroom helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
When students are regularly exposed to other cultures, they become more empathetic
When students have the opportunity to be exposed to other cultures from an early age, they are better prepared to enter the international community and have a stronger career competitiveness as adults
References
Goetz, J., Hartman, M., Hotchkiss, H., Miller, K., Warner, K., & Flores, T. (2023, May 25). “I don’t even belong in this class, bro”: A framework for teacher inquiry into students’ sense of belonging. Knowles Teacher Initiative. https://www.knowlesteachers.org/kaleidoscope/i-dont-even-belong-in-this-class-bro-a-framework-for-teacher-inquiry-into-students-sense-of-belonging
Teresa Krastel, N. (2022, May 12). 3 ways to activate your multilingual students’ superpowers. Teach. Learn. Grow; NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2022/3-ways-to-activate-your-multilingual-students-superpowers/
Vanner, C., Quenneville, Z., Baerstoen, V., Tsangari, V., Arsenault-Carter, T., Doan, T., De Rose, S., Coristine, S., Mastronardi, S., Hryniw, T., Gauci, T., Russo, S., Abdulreda, S., Michie, S., Little, S., Surtees, S., Fitzmorris, R., Karasek, Q., Beninato, P., … Chomiak, K. (2022). Multiculturalism in the classroom is the gateway to a richer learning environment. In Classroom Practice in 2022. University of Windsor.
Walden University. (2018, June 8). Why cultural diversity and awareness in the classroom is important. Walden University. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-bachelors-programs/bs-in-elementary-education/resource/why-cultural-diversity-and-awareness-in-the-classroom-is-important
Javier. (2023, October 10). Purdue University College of Education. https://education.purdue.edu/elllps/high-school/javier/
Lynch, M. (2018, March 21). Here’s everything you need to know about learner profiles. The Edvocate. https://www.theedadvocate.org/heres-everything-need-know-learner-profiles/
Shenandoah county public schools. (n.d.). WIDA Levels and Descriptors - Shenandoah County Public Schools. Retrieved December 9, 2023, from https://www.shenandoah.k12.va.us/en/title-iii-43ede3fe/wida-levels-and-descriptors-d66f0c0d
(N.d.). Corestandards.org. Retrieved December 9, 2023, from https://corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ELA_Standards1.pdf
