TESOL Standard 2: Culture

Reflection

1. A Theory of Human Needs

According to Abraham Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs, we must meet students' basic needs before they can learn. Human needs are associated with and are influenced profoundly by cultural identification. Maslow's theory reinforces the need for teachers to reassess their approach toward diverse learners with unique educational needs.

2. Socioeconomic Factors

Current research shows a correlation between demographic characteristics and academic performance. While socioeconomic status and environmental factors impact how students acquire knowledge, the age of first bilingual language exposure contributes to reading and language development in students. Exposure in each of the children's two languages provide students with the opportunity to develop language and reading mastery in these languages with equally high competence.

3. Deficit Perspective

Deficit perspective is defining students by their weaknesses rather than their strengths. It is this thinking that causes educators to hold lower expectations for students and families in poverty, which is detrimental to their learning outcomes and personal development. Using information about culture, learning styles, prior knowledge, and linguistic assets in sensitive and positive ways will help teachers value and promote diversity, and help teachers approach all educational decisions and practices with the students in mind.

4. Funds of Knowledge

While English language learners lack English proficiency, they have an abundance of funds of knowledge. Funds of knowledge are valuable social skills parents teach their children at home. They serve as a foundation for teachers to build on. Funds of knowledge can serve as a guideline for teachers to improve curriculum design and instruction, including activities that incorporate funds of knowledge to enhance learning experiences for English language learners.

This wealth knowledge can be used to facilitate a home-school relations environment in the classroom. Instruction should consider cultural artifacts, norms, practices, and experiences. For example, a lesson on cultural memberships is an excellent opportunity for teachers to build meaningful relationships with students and their families.