Capitalizing on Cultural Backgrounds

In general, the following suggestions, taken from Tools for Teaching. (Davis, B. G., can help to mitigate any biases or stereotypes that may exist in your classroom:

Treat each student as an individual and as an equal to other students; avoid singling them out. Convey the same level of respect and confidence in the abilities of all your students.

• Be sensitive to, and eradicate, any terminology that refers to specific ethnic and cultural groups. Avoid referencing cultural groups altogether.
• Allow students to gain a sense for the cultural climate in your classroom. Tell them that you want to hear from them if any aspect of the climate is making them uncomfortable.
• Introduce discussions of diversity at department meetings.
• Become more informed about the history and culture of groups that may be represented in your classroom.
• Whenever possible, select texts and readings whose language is gender-neutral and free of cultural-bias such as stereotypes. Point out the shortcomings of any material that does not meet these criteria should it be stumbled upon inadvertently. Discuss ways to correct it, and make it culturally-neutral.
• Aim for an inclusive curriculum that reflects the perspectives and experiences of a your students. Discuss and brainstorm ways to make curriculum and materials more culturally-friendly
• Bring in guests to foster diversity in your classrooms to demonstrate other cultures through book readings, book talks, cooking, or other cultural activities to create greater cultural awareness among students.

Adapted from: Davis, B. G. (2009). Tools for Teaching. Jossey-Bass