This is the second Sonia Nieto article I've read, and in both instances, I have found her ideas to be original and though-provoking. As teachers, understanding our students' culture and the implications it will have in the classroom is extremely important. I don't think we can teach our students in the best ways unless we understand where they are coming from. For example, a teacher in Japan teaches much differently than a teacher in the United States. Culture has a huge impact in the classroom.
One idea that I liked is how she states that culture is a "human creation" and not a given. I think this is very true, and could have importance in the classroom. Since we create culture, why not create a positive, safe, nurting culture in our own classrooms? With such a culture established in our classrooms, kids of all cultures can feel safe to learn. Of course there will still be some differences, but the culture in the classroom is something they can all share, belong to, and relate to. This can encourage bonding among students, and between student and teacher.
Another interesting idea was the hypothetical situation she propsed about what it would be like if "Black English" became the new standard, replacing "Standard English". When she discussed what the implications in education would be, it really opened my eyes. She mentions how African-Americans entering school would have an advantage. However, I wonder how many of us has considered what it must be like for a young middle-class black student entering a predominantly white school. Again, I think this really highlights the importance of understanding and accepting students' different cultures and backgrounds.
Considering the increasing diversity and multiculturalism in today's classrooms, its important to understand and value student's backgrounds. Celebrating our differences can help us to become less afraid of what is not the same as us. I found this article to be very interesting, and I think many of the ideas in it can help us become better teachers.
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I agree with your idea that creating a comfortable classroom climate is necessary for all students. It is within a classroom where students feel accepted and important that you can begin to understand and celebrate the culture each child brings to our rooms. Also I liked how you brought up the point that cultures are a human construction and vary because it is important to understand that even if students come from similar ethnic backgrounds they most likely will have differences in their cultures.
I'm thinking that as teachers we have to be careful not to impose our cultural beliefs too much onto our students. In fact, our classroom will have a culture of its own-all of the routines, behaviors, and learnings we will do. As teachers we have to be aware of our students' cultures and how that may affect learning. For example, in my Latinos and U.S. Education course, my professor shared that for Latino students it's ok to be talking all at once, without raising their hands. For most teachers, that would be unacceptable-students should raise their hands and wait to be called upon to speak, and only one speaker at a time. Imagine if we told our Latino students not talk to until they are called on, they may never want to speak again. We have to think, is it really that big of a deal if students are not raising their hands, if they are still learning and listening to each other? I think that is ok in a small group, but for whole class discussions I would have to teach the culture of the classroom to raise your hand to speak.
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