Discussion Question 1 in the book questions the importance of linking a students’ cultural background to new information to make content concepts more meaningful, even if they have been ‘Americanized’. I believe it is polite and right to acknowledge a persons background even though they do not necessarily flaunt their cultural differences. I would imagine that an ELL student born in this country still has strong roots in the parents’ culture. Even though a student may not display or sound like someone from their parents culture, he is raised by parents who grew up in a different culture. Undoubtedly there will be cultural differences in the home, for example, values, food, views on medicine, schools, etc. I say these students have the benefit of comparing and possibly getting a broader idea of a concept. Regardless of the background knowledge, it is the teachers’ job to find a link between it and the new information in order to make a new concept more relevant and memorable.
Voni
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I agree. For example when counting up to 10 or 20, I try to use examples of fish or berries with my students. This helps bring activities they might have seen their parents or relatives take part in.
ReplyDeleteSabrina