February 19, 2022: Week 7: Response to “Culture and Psychology”

 

      I came from a poor family but I was raised in an environment where offspring who came from middle to rich families were the persons I have mingled with because my mother with her siblings had helped each other to enroll me in a private school in our city. Although I had this opportunity, it also brought in me growing insecurity of seeing most people have something that I could not have at those times. It always gave me a feeling of inferiority as I grew up. I always think that well-off or wealthy people are always powerful and someone like me will always be second or last. I had built my self-confidence due to some accolades, praises, and promotions I have received from schools and workplaces but I always go back to a certain predicament of allowing others to go ahead of me. It seemed like I am more at peace or guiltless when I allow others to take the spot and leave me a second place or lower even if others would tell me, “If I were in your shoes, I would never allow anyone to walk through me.”  Another thing that affected me was the paradigm of Filipinos that when we show off, we are considered boastful, fame-seekers, attention grabbers, intending to hurt others, and selfish. Although, nowadays people evolve and start to be more mature and understanding of words such as respect, competence, quality, and acceptance. People are starting to be accepting of new ideas. But let us remember that a culture is a culture unless one chooses to take the other route.

As a parent, I always encourage my child to maximize his potential and express himself. Although my son is a little shy compared to other students from different countries during competitions in speeches such as in WeVoice Competitions involving children around the world, my son joins through submitting his videos of speeches. For his first few entries we have trained him and won spots in the category but his last entry, it was his own efforts training himself and we were just there to record his performance for submission. I guess our culture has influenced us, we still have the tendency to be a little shy or test the water when to speak, when to suggest and when to burst out our emotions.

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. While culture is defined as the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. Our culture or the way we grew up affects the way we think, we act and we decide in our lives. It may be directly or indirectly but once a certain idea is embedded in our system, it is hard to remove it or change it unless under given circumstances such as by choice, adaptability, or force. An example of this, as Filipinos we have ideas on how to become a good person, a good teacher, a good student, or a good parent. Being a Filipino mother entails close monitoring of a child, some say spoon-feeding in various aspects. Our culture anchors us on how to behave as a mother or parent. Citing some examples such as always maintaining proximity with the children and trying to do everything for them. When I don’t do this, I will be perceived as a bad parent regardless of whether the intent is good and the motivation is love.  Unlike other countries which view it as putting a rope on a child’s neck, for them it is a tight love, children should be free, children show to explore and learn and if neighbors or relatives request for the child to stay with them, the mother will allow but for Filipino mothers, they will hesitate and will not allow unless it is so close family tie such as grandmother or grandfather. Filipino wives are also very submissive because they think that men are the head of the family who has the final decision in everything. But some of the Filipinos have already started to succumb to changes as long as it is still within what is considered the norm. Filipino wives work and empowered who are now have the power to speak, act and decide for themselves. I have learned from our lesson this week about people who have low expressivity and high expressivity. This opened my eyes not to judge others. Hence, if they follow their culture, they are the ones who will be responsible for the effects afterward. What we control is our reaction towards their behavior which their culture dictates to them. Whatever the culture dictates, we still have the agency to choose what is right according to our core. We have to make sure that we are ready to face the consequences of our decisions and actions. I have also learned from the lesson this week that I should be more understanding of others and show respect. Before I react, I should think, observe and analyze things so as not to be dumb in the end as I suffer the consequences.

 

Which country did you come from?

What home culture affects you the most? (positive and negative effects on you)

February 18, 2022: Week 07 Response to “Difference in Manners”

 

                  Manners denote a person’s outward bearing or way of behaving towards others. I remember my son and his closest friends were invited for a snack at their Indian classmate’s house. My son was too young and immature and he cried over a slice of cake. The host said, did your mother teach you some manners? I guess we are expected to always think and act in the right way. One time he was also invited to a party where the host was a Mozambican, they had parlor games and lots of food, my son displayed his attitude from being nice by lining up for a game to refusing to participate in another game because he said he is tired. He cried and laughed but the hostess was even happy to witness his various moods. I also had the experience of having a friend tell me a story about them attending a party with less food, considering the culture of Filipinos during celebrations, they would love to cook and prepare plenty of dishes to happily invite guests to eat and joy. It is like a shame if we do not treat our guests with hospitality and lavish dishes. While I personally saw a friend from Europe, who prepared one or two dishes for a very special occasion and called it a banquet because for them being happy with guests is the best part of inviting people. Our way of behaving differs from the culture we grew up in. It is best that we continue to mingle and learn from each other. Always research various races in order to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and troubles. In the workplace, we are composed of Indian teachers, Filipino teachers, and African Teachers such as Mozambicans, Zimbabweans, and others. Filipinos are talented, intelligent,  hardworking and frontrunners in all programs. Asians such as Filipinos and Indians love to please people. Asians love praises and victories. But Filipino dwell on emotions. Oftentimes, when conflicts arise, Filipinos won’t talk with each other and snob one another. It also takes years before wounds get healed because they keep repeating to talk about or remembering the mistakes or pain inflicted on them. But of course, it depends on the maturity of a person. Generally speaking, they are the last to forget and forgive. Africans on the other hand have this mindset of letting go. Regardless of how painful it is, whatever happens, yesterday, they leave it like that. It is like they bury the hatchet immediately. They are cool, smart, and friendly individuals. But they need the Filipinos to keep them on track during school affairs and activities. Sometimes, the school will pair up one Filipino and one African in a level to learn from one another and teach each other to behave professionally.

             Sir John Ivers, a brilliant and indefatigable teacher in BYU mentioned examples of showing differences in manners. In Korea, bowing is a sign of respect especially for people with a higher post or respected position such as a teacher while other countries may mock you for bowing, it is like you are defaming yourself. In America, table manner expects you to place your arms and hands under the table while other countries can consider resting arms on top of the table. Also, when you yawn in America, you do not need to close your mouth, you can even grunt and stretch and there is nothing wrong with that, while in other countries, you should close your mouth when you yawn because not doing so is an insult. Furthermore, it is normal for people in the United States to put their hands in their pockets, it is a way to warm the hands. But for other countries, they will not walk around with their hands in their pockets because it means they are sloppy. Americans are punctual people. They are very particular with time, they are monochronic people. Americans also blow their noses in public while Japan finds it disgusting and gross especially when they reuse the handkerchief. It seems that Americans have a wide understanding of so many aspects of life but Americans have high regard for personal space. Space is sacred to them. When in the restaurant, their space can’t be shared with anyone because that is already intruding on their privacy even in a public place, space is sacred for them while other countries may share space while eating. In Europe, people cut their meat, and then the fork is in the left then continue to eat while in the United States, they put the utensils down and switch hands before eating. Switching hands at the dining table denotes you are an American. Sir John Ivers shared about his wife who is with red hair and blue eyes where she was stared at by most of the passengers in Bolivia while for other countries staring is rude. In Mexico, or the West part, they have a high tolerance for noise while the Back East has a low tolerance for noise, they will call the cops when they feel disturbed or violated by noise from the neighbors. We have to be mindful of these differences and learn more because having the knowledge may prevent us from misunderstanding, conflicts, and even harm. Such as the showing of the bottom of your shoes which made the Middle East or Afghan Army opened fire on the Americans by merely showing the bottom of their shoes. As an ESL Teacher, I have to be mindful of these things to avoid chaos in the classroom. I need to research and watch videos about different cultures. Also, to have open communication with the learners and their parents. 

February 15, 2022 : Week 07 Response to “Cross-Cultural Students in the Classroom”

 

               When I was young, my mother with the help of her sisters struggled but had endured to put me in a private school during my primary years. Despite the lack of so many things, I have enjoyed being in a circle of offspring from average to rich families. My classmates were mixed of reserved to assertive speakers who thought they could rule the world but still within the Asian norm of putting high regard for teachers’ expectations and space plus the imposing of correcting a mistake as soon as possible. We were shy to the extent of being fearful of approaching our teachers and we couldn’t even go near their desks or tables. Some would have the guts to do so but only for a while then went back to their seats as quickly as the teacher raised her eyebrows or called everyone to sit. The routine or perception toward the teachers was regimented. During our time, I still see teachers giving one tap on the hand with a ruler when one committed a big mistake or act of disrespect, standing up or squatting for a few minutes were the worse forms of punishment. But still considerably light and acceptable compared to the horror and worse stuff depicted in the movies. Teachers were still loving explaining why things turned out that way and reminded of the consequences of one’s action. Neglecting to correct a mistake is a sign of misconduct and sin of omission. More so, Asian learners do not usually butt in when the teacher speaks because it is a sign of rudeness. They considered their teachers as high and almighty. That was why I was surprised when I worked in Mozambique as a teacher. Prior to my lessons, I have arranged my classroom and placed extra pencils and erasers on my table, as a preparation for my class the next day. Primary students comprised of Mozambicans and Zimbabweans were some of my students at that time. I was surprised, my students were ahead of me and the things on my table were already distributed among them. Yes, it seemed everything was normal because for them they were happy and appreciative. So I have explained to them that the table is the teacher’s personal space and those things should not be touched unless with permission. Another thing that I have also noticed was they were comfortable approaching the teacher and would normally touch anything on the table while passing their works. Although, I have noticed that they are warm, confident, forgiving, and sweet learners who can easily let things pass even when a teacher gets angry or raises her voice. Normal things can differ from one culture to another that is why we need to research and study more about these things. I also came across students from Europe, I was called in the office by my supervisor because these are the type of learners who won’t tolerate seeing themselves and others being scolded or reprimanded for their actions. This is an act of violence for them. They are young and should be given sufficient opportunities to explore, enjoy life, learn with fun and let life’s lesson takes its course later on. I have learned that as a teacher with cross-cultural students in the classroom, one should have a wide knowledge of each culture and be careful in how things should be dealt with in the class. However, I should also explain things to them in order for them to comprehend the diverse culture in which they should also learn to adjust and understand others. They couldn’t always push their limits at the expense of stepping on other cultures or demeaning others. One should learn to be tolerant and not to be highly sensitive by dwelling on emotions of negativity or being highly offended by others’ actions. Having classmates from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia would mean confident and assertive learners that would probably shun away or intimidate the learners who are Asians or Wyoming, Idaho, or Utah. But it is on the teacher’s part to give these learners each an opportunity to express themselves and inculcate tolerance plus respect for one another. But there should be respect for one’s culture too, we can’t be so loose on accepting others’ insults or misconduct over our culture. We need to draw a line which is acceptable and not. We need to remember that what we sow, we reap. That is a general core of statement that we can always rely upon. Respect begets respect, as a person, learner, and teacher, we need to seek to understand and then be understood. Keep on learning, keep on understanding, keep on respecting but we need to open ourselves for respect in return. It will never be one road but two ways road. We need to understand and respect one another!

February 12, 2022; Week 06 Response to “ Attributional Tendencies”

                        I am grateful that I have learned the lesson, “Attributional Tendencies” because it assures me of how deep Heavenly Father’s love for His children despite our flaws and mistakes. It is unconditional and unfathomable love. It is priceless! I must say that I have always believed in Karma, when I see neighbors with decent and well-groomed children and having good-paying jobs, I would immediately conclude and credit the parents for their great work. I always think that they are great parents because their offspring grew up decently and productively. But when I learn that a neighbor has children who grew up addicted, rebels, and unemployed, I would immediately conclude that the parents must have not raised them very well. Maybe, there were too busy to care or too immature to carry out their calling as parents. It is so judgemental of me! I read a few stories that no matter how loving, hardworking, and caring parents are, children, end up on the wrong path. While some children grew up in dysfunctional families but ended up successful and kind people. Indeed, we cannot conclude that a basket of apples would all taste edible and sweet on the other we cannot hastily say that they are all rotten. People have the tendency to think about what a situation is attributed to and that depends on the culture that we grew up with. Some countries believe in the cause and effect scenario such as the children’s mistakes are consequences of their own actions and not a result of their parents’ failures. Although there is a consequence in every action of a person, we cannot blame our parents, guardians, teachers, leaders, or employers for our response to whatever stimulus the world is giving us because we always have the choice to what kind of response are we going to render or do. As the lesson identifies that “Attributional tendencies refer to what do we attribute success, to what do we attribute our personal failures, to what do we attribute the successes of others, to what do we attribute the failures of others. In our culture, in all cultures, we're always attributing things to other things, like other causes.”  This is inevitable, people love connections and links to analyze every situation, every dilemma, and every circumstance of a person. I, myself have the tendency to overthink or blame myself if misfortune comes my way, I would resort to thinking that I probably have hurt or offended someone that is why I did not get this or that. I start beating and blaming myself. But now, studying this, all of us can start understanding that being accountable for one’s actions is important and regardless of what culture we grew up in, we can be assured that our creator has the most loyal and unfailing love. All we need to do is follow His commandments and we will be blessed and rewarded regardless if we come from a dysfunctional family or a pretty neat family. We can also avoid blaming ourselves which an internal attribution or blaming anyone such as the government or church leaders who are part of the external attributions. As an ESL Teacher, I can always help the learners to understand that being accountable for one’s choice is important. They have to think, examine, study and observe before they make decisions because if the output or result is good or bad, they should not resort to blaming internal and external attributions instead continue to rely on the fact that it is their choice, not others. Asians such as people from Hongkong and India attribute their successes and failures internally such as themselves while Americans attribute their successes and failures externally such as the government.

What can a person do to avoid thinking of these attributions and be accountable for his own decision?

 

February 12, 2022: Week 06 Response to “Personal Space Differences”

 February 12, 2022:  Week 06 Response to “Personal Space Differences”

   

                As a person and a Filipino, I value space privacy very much, my bedroom is the most important place because I can do a lot of things such as working and resting without being disturbed not only that, even in my workplace, I have my own classroom and I don’t usually go around that much in order to mingle maybe I was kinda reserved that is why people are shy to come near me unless it is work-related. I see Zimbabweans mingling with each other, they are very cool and they don’t mind sharing spaces.

                In my home city in the Philippines, we have a jeepney under the nameplate “Downtown” that has a route of passing to malls, markets, churches, parks, and other areas where the common people myself included ride on it for a few coins. It can accommodate 10 to 12 passengers before the pandemic struck. But maybe now it has changed due to the social distancing protocol. At times, when passengers come with children, as a way of goodwill, kids are offered to sit on the lap of the lady passengers who came first. There are also times that men would give way and hang at the rear part of the vehicle. But Downtown jeepneys are plenty which means passengers can choose. It is rare that these jeepneys are full except during festivities or holidays where people are out of their houses. When I came to Mozambique, we were lucky to have someone to help us during travels using her car but later on, we have tried riding on a "chapa" which is a van, a counterpart of our Downtown jeepney but to my surprise, they pack all the people inside with the exaggeration of occupying all the spaces. What shocked me was when the people are standing near the door and for it to close, the barker or the driver’s assistant would push the butts of those who are standing just to fit in. Was it a reflection of personal space culture? Or merely out of poverty? Many Mozambicans are also well off, they have cars and really good cars. People like them do not need their butts to be pushed in so a chapa door can be closed.

        People from different countries have their own perspectives or culture when it comes to personal space. German’s space is sacred, and it gives them stress when they need to share space with others. I think I am German as well. Just kidding! For me, the concept of sharing food is fine but when it comes to space, even the space is just small as long as it is mine, it gives me peace and privacy. Mexico on the other hand doesn’t mind when they pack like sardines on buses.  American’s personal possession is an extension of themselves, using their stuff is a violation unless there is an agreement or contract for lease. Americans don’t care if they are overheard while English does care about the loudness of voice. For Great Britain, being loud is a sign of bad manners. How do we adjust ourselves? We should always observe how people act and react. As an ESL Teacher, I need to make sure that my students follow such ground rules of minding their own things, organizing their own things, and having their own space to protect their own personal privacy and space.

Can you name a country where you travel? Identify what behavior did you observe that manifests their regard for personal space.

February 8, 2022 Week 6 Response to “Emotional Expressivity”

 

                In an audition for a new movie, select actors in the Philippines were given a one-liner to perform but the impact of the message differs depending on how each actor delivered the spiel. The actor who is into comedy sent the message lightly which made the audience or people watching the audition laugh while the actor who is into drama sent the message with heaviness and hit throwback of one’s memory which made them speechless. How compelling that a message can be changed! The one-liner of a script sends a different impact in reference to the difference in the tone of voice, phrasing, the enunciation of words or we can say, the delivery.  The high tendency of misinterpretation in emotional expressivity is mostly to happen especially in cross-cultural differences. It is easy to misinterpret emotions from one culture to another. My new partner in school is a Zimbabwean. Honestly, I like her because she is knowledgeable and hardworking. But even if we started on the right mark and we understand one another. A Zimbabwean and a Filipino have different cultures. Still, it is inevitable that there are times when we express in different ways. Sometimes, I would stop and think why did she laugh on a particular topic which I felt laughing was not appropriate. Or why would she send a laughing emoji when we were settling a parent’s issue on a certain thing which I felt was a bit serious. Maybe on her end, I was also too serious and that I should be at ease in any given circumstances. But we tried our best to communicate and explain our thoughts in order to build a good working relationship.

               Sir John Ivers, a great and brilliant teacher at Brigham Young University discussed the different cultures, different countries, and different expressions of emotions using a scale. He mentioned that the United States is in the middle of the scale because they have so much diversity. While Asians were placed on the left because they were considered with a low tolerance expressivity. The culture does not permit public shows of emotion. Scandinavian countries do not permit a lot of public display of emotion too. The right-most part of the scale includes Hispanics, the Middle East, Italy, and Iran have a high tolerance for emotional expressivity in public. Expressing our emotions in private may be similar but expressing our emotions in public may differ in so many ways because of the culture.  Having misinterpretations can cause a lot of problems. An example of this was the Civil War wherein the North and South did not decide their economic differences besides the slavery issue. They just did not like each other and the deal was off. He also mentioned that Mormons or Latter Saints have lower expressivity than others because we are more group-oriented. Truly, there will be big differences in various cultures. People can evolve in different ways. At times, people who were very shy before manifest their love to their spouses or loved ones later on become more demonstrative or showy because of the influences of other cultures. However. To avoid misinterpretation, we also need to observe people around us. An example is when we travel to different countries, we need to research details about that country before traveling to that country. It is advisable to learn about their culture.  I am not saying that we should not be ourselves or should not preserve our culture but to avoid or prevent conflicts, misunderstandings, and ill-feeling, we should at least try to adjust ourselves. Seek first to understand and be understood. Instead of ending up being regretful and full of anxieties, we should pray and think about what we should do and how to act accordingly. After all, working on our interpersonal skills is important in order to build bridges and not intensify gaps. I know that it is not easy to always exert efforts to understand instead of the judge immediately but let us become people who build instead of break. People who contribute to the betterment of the world, not a contributory factory to destroy it. If we let our pride down and aim to be better people, we will have the power to adjust or change in order to avoid or eradicate misinterpretation. Let us also be truthful when we speak so we can earn respect and trust from others in order to build good relationships regardless of the cultures we grew up with. 

February 5, 2022 : Week 05 Response to “Cultural Miscommunication”

 

          Miscommunication can ignite wars and tragedies so what should we do to prevent miscommunication from happening as we relate to other cultures or other people from different cultures?

          A relative and I had a long-standing miscommunication. I wept for years because of her, I had included her in my prayers and fasting because of a seemingly increasing gap between the two of us. I heard things that she told about me that hurt me a lot which resulted in me moving away from her. Although, I have tried my own ways to speak with her, to humble myself and be open about my feelings I got excuses and justification instead of admission or assurance of a better relationship which for me was like rubbing salt to the wound which made me go farther from her. I never tried to open up again because it felt more painful maybe because we both expected different ways of making up. That was why I have decided to put a wall for me not to be hurt again. The miscommunication had brought me despair and many nights of sobbing that resulted in an unhealthy relationship and environment. Lately, I have heard from her that she was confused about me moving away, she felt that I was putting a wall and for her, if I don’t like her then she won’t force herself on me. I prayed for so many years for Heavenly Father to enlighten us and guide us. Then, something happened that made us closer together. We ended consoling each other, laughing with each other, and dreaming big for each other. Now, I always try to be open about my feelings and I also try to understand where she is coming from when she speaks her feelings. Although I do not agree with everything she stands for, I respect, understand, and pray for her. I give her advices but I do not impose on her because that is her life. I also feel that she understands me even when she is not amenable to what I am saying. We are exactly different people but what is important, is we are alright and love comes between us. She is a sweet, caring, and helpful person. She can stand up for me. She is also cool and one thing I discover about her she thinks about my welfare. If we have the same nationality and we were not able to escape from miscommunication and the effects of such, how much more with having miscommunication towards people from a different culture? It is really unavoidable! So what should we do? On the other hand, what if people understand one another and communicate effectively with one another? They will surely live harmoniously, happily, and peacefully. They will help each other to be the best version of themselves.

            People behave in different ways. We have stereotype traits such as Asian people and people from Latin America being conservative in speaking. They have high regard for the feelings of others and they do not hurt anyone with their words. They choose the appropriate words to convey messages which may also bring confusion from others who are direct, assertive, and confident in expressing their thoughts and emotions. While Americans are frank and on point. I experienced working in a school where we have an American leader. We were advised to be attentive to what he says and always be assertive in expressing our thoughts. To be honest, one or two teachers avoided him, while others tried to please him. He even made a comment to one of our colleagues by saying, are you expecting me to praise you? Then, I just heard that he left the school and I told myself maybe it did not work out well.

               But to be honest, being enrolled in Pathway Worldwide and BYU Idaho Online program, I have realized a lot of things and learned many things about other people coming from a different culture. I have discovered how wonderful and loving they are. They are all my inspiration. We need to continuously learn and dig deeper. We should not hastily draw conclusions or judge others. We never know how amazing people are until we know and comprehend their culture and help them to know our way of life. We should always see the good things in others. We should always reflect and understand what message they are conveying through their words and non-verbal cues. Understanding each other unlocks division and alienation towards one another. How about you? What do you think should you do to avoid cultural miscommunication?

February 4, 2022 : Week 05 : Response Blog to Culture Difference Concerning Time

 

               

             I grew up hearing from the people around me that employers from different countries like Filipino workers because they are willing to go beyond their own given schedules. Perhaps, they are encouraged of extra pay or overtime pay or they simply want to please their employers and fellow workers that they are indeed a race of hardworking, limitless, and caring people. They love showing affection, sharing beyond what is expected of them because they value relationships. Given a work schedule of 8am to 5pm, for example, you still see them at 6 or 7 and beyond working especially to finish their work. But I also heard that when your employees are Americans, you will see that the carpool is already empty a few minutes after 5pm as they go exactly at their given hometime. These things may be true or not, but having this mindset, I had the pride of being a Filipino saying we rule the world, but later on, I myself realized the value of time management and being able to finish specific tasks on time without putting my time with family and friends on hold. I have also realized to have an order in everything and should not be caught up in people-pleasing. My eyes are also open in learning and comprehending people from different cultures. Now, I understand that Americans have a monochronic paradigm that they give much importance to not wasting time as they follow their schedule strictly in order to work efficiently and effectively in carrying out their tasks throughout the day. People from the United States are Monochronic whereas tasks, schedules, policies, and procedures are significant. Although this mindset should also consider logic and human needs as for example, if there is an emergency or inevitable circumstance where workers need to extend time, then tolerance and compassion should at least be exercised. Also, if there is a scheduled meet-up but an emergency occurs and people cannot fulfill to come, we cannot be forceful, pushy, and grumpy to pull them to fulfill the end of the bargain. On the other hand, we can not always give justification or excuses for being late and for not showing up because if we can not do it then we should not compromise ourselves or our schedules in the first place as a show of respect to the other person. We should always put ourselves in other shoes. If we don’t want others to do unto us, we should not do it in the first place.

        As a TESOL teacher, it is imperative for me to have an awareness of the Cultural Differences Concerning Time by studying the background of my learners in the class. I should know where they come from and probably the paradigm they grow up with. I should also make a discussion on this thing in order to raise awareness among the learners and inculcate respect, understanding, and tolerance with the different cultural backgrounds. I also need to make them understand the importance of flexibility and consideration with each other. Above all, to have the zest to learn more lessons about cultural differences in order for harmony in working with each other would be easy. A person works hard to gain an education so that later on, he is capable and credible to earn a job. What should you manifest to your employer that you have a monochronic paradigm or polychromic mind-set? Which do you think will be beneficial in one’s company?

          We should always remember that our core is very important in the way we live life, we decide and act according to what our conscience dictates on us. Regardless of whether we have different cultures concerning time, it is advisable to review our objectives in every aspect of our lives. When we work, what kind of employees are we? To our families and friends, what kind of person do we want to be? To our new acquaintances, what kind of persons do we want them to remember us? We can always learn, improve and be better people in order for us to contribute immensely to the building of a great nation. We don’t end where we begin instead we can always move forward for what is better and appropriate. We need to continuously pray and seek guidance in order to address the difficulties with grit and grace.

 

What should you manifest to your employer that you have a monochronic paradigm or polychromic mindset? Which do you think will be beneficial in one’s company?

 

February 1, 2022, Week 05 Response to “Culture Paradigms”

                       

                  One’s mindset, one’s perspective, and one’s paradigm influence the way one appreciates and deals with what is real and true around him. Citing an example, two boys were placed in different barns. The first boy was placed in a very clean and wonderful barn where anyone would enjoy moving and playing around but the first boy said it looked gloomy because it was spacious and it looked empty for him that the existence of the few animals on it seemed futile for him to see. While the second boy was placed in a barn where the first thing he saw was animal manure but instead of complaining, having to see the manure on his first glance, it was a pre-empt of an animal that he would see, he was enthusiastic to look for the horse. The thought of riding on it enveloped him as he gushed with excitement, for him the barn meant a haven and a fun place. Reflecting on that very simple example, we can say that the mindset or perception of a person affects the way he appreciates and identifies with the reality or truth around him.

              It is inevitable for us to ask how can a teacher handle a class with students having different learning styles? Like what Sir John Ivers said, “ Education is a wash in the sea of boredom.” This draws from the mindset that time won’t come back so a teacher should use time wisely by exhausting all his means to prepare teaching materials and activities that are engaging, productive, and meaningful in achieving the learning objectives. The teacher needs to monitor his learners so he can help them in the best way possible. He needs to continuously evaluate his teaching strategies and tools whether they are relevant to the needs of the learners. Considering the various learning styles, the teacher must continue to research and upgrade activities that can address the learners who are visual, auditory, reading and writing, and bodily-kinesthetic. How can a teacher manage a class with students from different cultural backgrounds? The students are vulnerable to experiencing various emotions when they are mingling with classmates or peers taking into consideration their cultural paradigms. An example of this, Americans insult their friends or make fun of them, it is a sign of closeness or tightness of bond while for other cultures, it would be an immensely degrading act to do this. People have different cultural paradigms and what must a teacher do in order to help a better encounter in a class instead of expecting misunderstanding, misinterpretation, disagreement, or alienation. A teacher must be a clever person with colossal experiences and knowledge about the different cultures in order to address such issues or problems that would arise by continuously taking time with them and assuring them that even they are different from each other, they should seek to understand and be understood. The learners should bear one another and have the zest for knowledge to learn about how others think and feel. This develops sympathy and apathy with each other. A great teacher is a facilitator and guide to students to be better classmates, peers, and friends.

                I come from the Philippines and as a Filipino, I am generally and culturally raised to work hard and take things seriously. I am often sensitive to words and jokes. I also take feedback seriously and comments or feedback threw at me linger for a long time. But as I mature and also from our lesson on culture paradigm, I have realized that things should not always be taken seriously instead take things in a positive way. I should always consider what can make me better and turn out an improved person by comprehending the kind of persons I am dealing with and not immediately jumping to conclusions. Besides if I react hastily and conclude right away, I may be sweating the small stuff. I also need to share this with my fellow compatriots this insight and be a good example so they will also have an open mind and learn to adjust for the common good.

 

What would you advise a parent who is concerned that his or her child can have a culture shock in school?

 

What would you advise a teacher to help prevent the learners from experiencing culture shock?