Module 2: Introduction
Understanding Your Students

Objectives:

• Understand the meanings of the word 'multicultural'
• Consider the importance of learning styles in the multicultural classroom
• Participate in an online survey and web publication
• Appreciate the importance of ethnic and gender identity
• Identify underlying causes of cultural misunderstandings
• Report on the multicultural identity of your institution

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, A smile, a kind word, a listening ear, An honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, All of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~ Leo Buscaglia

Introduction:

How many times have you looked at a troubled student and thought, "Why is he/she like this? What's causing this learning problem?" Then (often much later) you discover the missing piece of the puzzle. You have an insight that clears up the mystery and makes sense of it all. Sometimes the moment of clarity and understanding never comes and our students remain enigmas - because we just cannot figure them out. We are unable to perceive the origins of their behavior.

As you will discover in this module, the key to the puzzle is often a cultural insight. The 'Ah-Ha' arrives once we understand the home life, learning style, or cultural norms that form a student's identity.

This much is certain: we become more patient, resourceful, and determined if we have a clear understanding of our students. When we can answer the 'why' question - we can move on to the 'how' answer.

The world of the classroom is such an intimate and personal place; it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the reality of your school or classroom is 'more or less' the same as learning environments everywhere. It is understandable that we sometimes lose perspective and reason from a single point of view. Yet here you are, working to improve your multicultural insight because you understand the need for a greater range of experience.

As we learn and think about the diverse backgrounds, needs, learning styles, and expectations of learners from cultures other than our own, let's keep in mind just how potent our energy, goodwill and understanding can be. We can break through to help and teach diverse populations-- and by doing so, we can change the world one student at a time.

*Always feel free to e-mail me at mc@wiredinstructor.net with questions or comments.

Dennis O'Connor
Instructor