Week 3 assignment #1

Define Culture

      The definition of Culture varies based on a common geographical location, common attitudes, practices, rules, customs, and structures. (Roselle Kline Chartock, Culturally responsive teaching p.102) But it is quite easy to be labeled as out-group don't have sufficient knowledge about them or only know few members in the group and develop a generalized idea of the group. Understanding cultures could be a life-long learning even for insiders, let alone outsiders from all over the world. But teachers can apply real-life phenomena to make connections and help students reflect their counterpart. Having this kind of experience, learners can open their mind and boost their social skills, both capabilities would pay the way for their future in all aspects of life.

        After reading lesson plan 3, I agree with the idea that culture is learned, and to me, it implies it can be shared by out-group. And the most important thing is culture is necessary for people to know certain values and courtesy if they want to blend into the cultural group.  So boil down to how to learn a culture effectively and efficiently, education plays a crucial role. Basically, school is a miniature of our society, through the well-designed curriculum, instructors can refine the spirit and condense the essence when they convey the knowledge.  And in a diverse classroom, no matter where do the students come, they can feel respected and have the confidence or even contribute their cultural values for the local students to rethink and reflect their understanding and position in the world.  

         Throughout my experiences, Observation and honesty are my tips to fit in the new environment.  Finding the difference between my culture and others', asking more when I can't figure out the logical reason even from the students, I believe these are the correct path for me to learn and a good attitude to teach one day.