Ch 1 - Food For Thought

From my experience, I would define culture as the combination of home life,

language, traditions, ceremonies, and ancestry as a means of self definition and
impact on the life of an individual. Two cultural groups I have the most
experience would be Asian and Latino (ispanic!. These two cultural groups
ma"e up the ma#ority of students at the school I wor" at and it is interesting to
watch their interactions and academic success. For instance, the Asian students
tend to be $uite, hard wor"ing, not easily distracted, and tend to sit or group with
fellow Asian students. The Latino students are sometimes hardwor"ing and other
times easily distracted, seem to sociali%e more with all students and cultural
groups, and are sometimes more extroverted (however, some are also $uiet and
very introverted!.
These variables tend to have a large influence on students. For example, if a new
Asian student is given the ability to sit with a &buddy' of a similar Asian cultural
group, they tend to rely on them for assistance with instructions and wor" and
seem to progress $uic"ly in being able to complete assignments and assimilate
socially (at least within a small community of students in the classroom!. Their
hard wor" ethic also has an impact on how $uic"ly they seem to ma"e progress.
At the same time, some of the Latino students who lac" a stronger wor" ethic will
ma"e $uic"er social relationships with students in the class and progress more
easily collectively throughout the school community. owever, this emphasis on
social encounters does sometimes have a hindrance on academic progress and
concentration.
Acculturation is the process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of
another group and the results of this process.
The ()L teacher*s role in student acculturation is an introduction into +nited
)tates society and culture through the use of teaching and helping students
understand (nglish as well as understanding social norms and acceptable
behaviors throughout a +nited )tates school and society. This student
acculturation is crucial in helping students understand what is necessary for them
to succeed in American society.