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W07 Blog: Culture and Psychology (3/06/22)

          Culture can shape our brains. And no, I am not referring to the physical form, but to that conscious and unconscious part of our being. What is it to be a good person? What actions are shameful to do? What does my worth depend on? What is doing the right thing? What consequences can certain actions bring? The answers to these questions vary from culture to culture. Our beliefs and behaviors are heavily influenced by cultural assumptions.

Such assumptions cause us to see ourselves in certain ways, and also to see and even judge others in certain ways. Why? Because we have a perspective of life and how to live it. And this can affect the relationships and interactions we have with people for better or worse. And this applies to a TESOL classroom.

Having students from diverse cultures means having many perspectives gathered in one place. One of the most important jobs of teachers, is to guide and understand them. There will be many things in common, others perhaps not so much, and the idea is that the student does not feel overwhelmed or judged but understood and guided through the process of adaptation. In this proccess, new things are found and middle or balance points are found between their perspectives and those of others.

Comentarios

  1. ESL Whiteboard4 de junio de 2022 a las 7:52

    I like how you said about culture guiding our conscious and even our subconscious and our important role as a facilitator to find a balance point to respect and allow everyone a safe place to learn.

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  2. My Little Pla.net4 de junio de 2022 a las 22:08

    Your opening paragraph was great. I really got a mental image of many different cultures and how different our perspectives are from day one. Judging really does come as a part of trying to figure out our world, but can we do it in a way that isn't hurtful? I think so and I believe you presented a good way to find balance.

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