Culture and Learning in School
Why is Understanding Culture important for learning?
Previous chapters explain the importance of taking into account the social, emotional, motivational, cognitive development, biological, and temporal contexts of learning. This chapter, however, specifically focuses on the importance of culture and the impact it has on classroom dynamics and learning. The process of learning is dependent on the culture and environment of an individual. Students approach new material by using previously learned knowledge and personal experiences in the process of learning. Thus students approach to understanding and learning new material is different and varies based on the culture and environment of the individual. In order to promote the best kind of learning, educators must consider the culture and environment of their learners in order to assess the strengths, goals, and experiences of the individual. Why is Understanding Culture important for learning?
"...the study of learning is the study of the relationships between learners and their environments. If taken seriously, these ideas can influence education practice in very specific ways." ("How People Learn II: Learners, Context, and Cultures", pg. 136).
"...the study of learning is the study of the relationships between learners and their environments. If taken seriously, these ideas can influence education practice in very specific ways." ("How People Learn II: Learners, Context, and Cultures", pg. 136).
What can teachers do?
What can teachers do?
Educators need to note that the characteristics of the culture and the environment of their students influence classroom dynamics. It is also important to note that the culture and environment of educators also influence classroom dynamics in addition to those of the student. Due to the differences in culture, personal experiences, and knowledge every individual’s approach to learning is different and must be acknowledged within the classroom. In order to support students effectively, educators must have an understanding of the variety of learners that exist in their classroom and the culture of the students. In doing so, educators can modify their lessons so that all individuals can thrive in the classroom and not just the select few whose culture matches that of the schools. By learning about the culture and environment of students, educators are creating an optimal learning environment where the strengths of the individuals are accounted for.