This activity gives tutors the opportunity to explore the different attitudes other cultures have towards learning. By understanding these different attitudes, tutors can more effectively work with learners from a different cultural background.
| Reflection, use of handout, discussion |
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Materials and equipment Handout 3.7: Cultural Attitudes Preparation Copy handout. STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
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It’s important that tutors have respect for other cultures. Often, those of us in the dominant culture do not see our own cultural biases. Yet they guide us as we design learning programs, choose materials to use and respond to individuals and families from other cultures. For example, our biases about people from other cultures sometimes leads us to make assumptions about what people do, how they relate to one another, how they raise children, how they conceive of time, how people solve problems, and the roles of men and women.
We cannot be expert in every culture. Furthermore, cultures are always evolving. We can, however, ask questions of the learner so that we understand the person’s particular experiences, beliefs and values. We can also be as conscious as possible of the fact that our expectations, judgments and response to others are culturally based. We can become aware that what is “normal” for us is just another culture, not better or worse, just different.
In the video Creating Learning Partners – Cultural Differences, a few learners share aspects of their culture that may seem unusual to us. You may want to share a few examples from your own program. Approach this activity with sensitivity and help tutors to respect the differences of other cultures.