I volunteered with the ESL class through Washington Township district. Today, the class started a new unit on careers. We started the class with a new activity packet that promoted reading and writing development for the students. I also led work with a small group in one of the activities in the workbook. With the Level 1 students, we focused mainly on pronunciation of words and having conversation about the careers. The Level 2 students were more focused on writing and reading comprehension and ability.
I learned more about the different cultures that each student represents because of the conversations we had about common careers and different workplaces. Additionally, I recognized different students care about achievements and perfection due to the cultural values that they traditionally hold as important. The head teacher of the class pointed this out to me after I had been working diligently one-on-one with the Chinese students. The value the Chinese students place on achieving perfection is much more evident than the other students in the class. At first, I overlooked their focus. However, when it was pointed out to me that they maintained this focus because of their cultural tendencies and values, I understood more about how the Chinese students learned and functioned in the classroom.
We also discussed the differences of gender in the workplace from the different countries the students came from. In America, we have come closer to gender equality in the workplace and not stereotyping certain careers for specific genders. Although America as a whole is far from perfect in this regard, it was a cultural adjustment for some students to recognize that both genders could be recognized for a certain job. It is important to recognize that the working woman is different in various cultures. For some of the women in the class, it is very important for them to take care of the household. It is important to recognize different cultural differences in this regard but also be accepting of everyone’s views. This idea of blending cultures connects to the idea of being a chameleon in Serageldin’s novel. It is important to accept other cultures while still remaining true to your own roots, which can sometimes be difficult to do.
It is difficult to work with an entire small group when there are clashing types of learners that comprise the group. However, this helps me develop problem-solving skills in how I can help each learner while also progressing the group as a whole. I must listen to each student and understand how I can assist them while still accomplishing the tasks that need to be accomplished.