Cross Cultural Communication

& Multiculturalism

Spring 2010

Tutor Training

The Multicultural Perspective

◦ ―A lifelong commitment to and active engagement in the process of seeking effective and respectful interactions with members of diverse populations‖

-from ―Tutoring in a Multicultural Environment‖ (success.wayne.edu/files/tutoring_in_a_multicultural_environment.ppt)

Our Tutor Training Plan

Today—

―Cross-Cultural Communication‖ Increase understanding of tutees from various

cultures and international student population

Consider our own biases, stereotypes, knowledge, and appreciation of people/experiences

Training sessions later in March—

―ESL and ELL Techniques‖ More specific tutoring techniques for working with

English Language Learners

PART 1: Aspects of Multiculturalism

… MANY things can be considered aspects of cultural identity.

What is culture? Culture is not a simple thing! It can involve:

• ethnicity

• parents' education

• region of origin

• gender

• religion

• economic status

• language(s)

• sexual orientation

• race

• country of origin

• learning style

• ability/disability

• intercultural or

multicultural

background

• style of dress

• group traditions

• and more...

(list adapted from De Anza College, ―Cross Cultural Tutoring‖:

http://faculty.deanza.fhda.edu/alvesdelimadiana/stories/storyReader$140

Numbers of International Students

FALL

2009

SPRING

2010

(est.)

Class Spring

2010

(est.)

Total # 128 125 Seniors 7

Total New 41 9 Juniors 10

Total Returning 87 116 Sophomores 47

Total ESL 18 12 Freshman 49

Total BA 110 113

Data from the International Students’ office

•Mostly on B.A. status (taking general education courses)

•Mostly freshmen and sophomores

Diversity Demographics

28 states and 24 countries represented

17% students of color

8% international students

Females: 65%; males 35%

(Source: Albright Admissions Dept.)

Home Countries of International

Students Country Spring 2010

(estimate)

Country Spring 2010

(estimate)

Australia 1 Nepal 2

Bahamas 1 Nigeria 1

China 22 Romania 1

Germany 1 South Korea 20

Hong Kong 43 Taiwan 9

India 5 UK 1

Japan 14 Vietnam 4

Data from the International Students’ office

….Plus many other students who have lived/studied in various

countries but aren’t formally considered ―international students‖!

Cultural difference can lead to…

New perspectives and enriched experiences

A nice way to establish rapport & trust

Misunderstandings and challenges

Enhanced tutoring experiences

Why is culture important to

tutoring?

****HANDOUT & EXERCISE

Share cultural backgrounds.

What are some aspects of culture that can affect the tutor-tutee relationship?

How do you think stereotypes may influence it?

PART 2:

Cross Cultural Considerations

School Expectations of Students

from Different Countries

Past experience with schools and schooling

Abilities & Ages◦ Reading, writing, speaking, listening skills don’t

necessarily match

◦ An International Student may be 16 or 27

Tutors and tutoring

High school vs. college v. the university,

Parental pressures

Notions of America are quite different– and are factors to consider

Borders and Personal Space

How close is too close?

Concepts of space and personal

boundaries vary widely

Body Language

Is he even listening to me?

vs.

He looked straight at me so…I thought he understood me.

Visual gaze, hand gestures, posture, and how you shake your head all vary from culture to culture.

Lifestyle and Etiquette

Lateness or promptness as cultural

Setting times for appointments

May expect immediate answers

What’s appropriate

…… it’s all new for some students

Dress and possessions

From pencil cases to Hello Kitty

sweatshirts– beware of ethnocentric

judgments

Personal Relationships

Why do international students or students from various groups hang out together? ◦ Being the non-dominant culture

◦ Comfort, experiences, etc

Also respect issues / relations male-female

older-younger

student-professor

International student– tutor

In terms of perceived hierarchy, position, class, nationality

Language and Humor

High-context language = Much is assumed

knowledge

Lower-context language = More is

explained up front, specifically

Consider familiarity with American slang,

proverbs, etc.

…Joking, teasing, what’s funny and not…

and what’s just a ―language barrier‖?

Identity: Self vs. Group

Self as separate from or heavily linked to

family

Individuality as a value or lesser

consideration

All of these concepts enter the equation

because they influence decisions

Discussion

When considering differences in

educational systems, etiquette,

personal space, why is this important

to remember when tutoring students

different from you?

Student Clubs & Opportunities

CARE Program

Language Exchange

African American Society, Caribbean Culture Club, etc

Anyone want to share about their experiences with these (or similar) programs?

Q&A?

Ask Away!

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison & George Briden (ISBN # 1-55-850-443)

Reflection Questions for Blackboard

What are some aspects of your cultural background that affect you as a student? As a tutor?

What misconceptions or stereotypes might you have about other cultures? What is an appropriate way to learn more?

How has understanding of cultural difference caused you to change your own actions or identity?