1:45pm - 2:30pm
Integrating Cultural Exploration into Academic IEP Curricula - Lynn Bergschneider, INTERLINK Language Center at UNCG
http://uncg.interlinkesl.com
WHY?
Why "teach" culture?
What is there to gain if you do (or lost if you don't)?
-language and culture are intertwined
-people use language through a cultural lens
-many international students come to the U.S. to learn new culture
-culture creates language - words used to map reality
BENEFITS
Interest/Reason to Write
-students want people to understand who they are, where they come from…
Adaptation to US/College culture
-students will be in university interacting with people from the U.S. culture
Diffusion of tension in class
-cultural misunderstandings can happen in class (Chinese, Saudi)
-classroom styles, expectations different
Academic skills
-some students resist because they believe studying culture is not "real studying"
HOW?
How do you "teach" culture in your context?
Is it a separate lesson or incorporated into the curriculum across classes and levels?
What resources can be used?
Academic Reading and Essay Writing Level 3
Focus: Personal to Abstract/Academic
Article: "5 Myths about Studying in the U.S."
http://www.transworldeducation.com/articles/nusameric.htm
Reading
Discuss surprising upon arriving
Find reasons/explanation in the article
Identify hook, thesis, main support
Writing
Use as a model essay
HW: "What do you know about my country?" (ask 5-10 people)
Share with classmates/discuss explanation of true situation
Benefits: Real reason for writing, Requires critical thinking, Essay writing skills
(Another idea: compare/contrast essay - students should interview parents to find out what their lives where like at their age)
Academic Reading and Writing Level 4
Focus: Abstract-research essays
Article: Robert Kohls: Values Americans Live By http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/pages/faculty/alee/extra/American_values.html
Students had to read article, take notes, then asking Americans if they agreed or disagreed…
Reading
HW: Jigsaw/survey Americans
In-class sharing/discussion
Find journal article for own culture/summary
Writing
Use journal article support for essay comparing key differences in cultural values
Peer read for clarity/effective support
Benefits: Deeper understanding of US/own culture, academic journal reading practice, research essay skills
BENEFITS: (In students' own words)
Creates Interest
"students want to learn more about the world, not just study in their field"
Adaptation to US/College Culture
"there are things people can't do in America"
Reduces/Avoids Tension
"when I could express my feelings, I felt better"
"essay gave me a wider notion about culture in the world and the way people live in peace by respecting and accepting each other"
Academic Skills Development
"research and careful analysis needed to explain something"
"what info should be used? how much info is enough? should you believe everything you read?"
Writing Across Borders: Oregon State University
(YouTube: posted in multiple sections)
Benefits: Validates Ss own culture, Builds awareness of other styles of writing
OTHER IDEAS:
Conversational Ballgames
(Source: Nancy Masterson Sakamoto)
community.wvu.edu/~xj002/Conversational%20Ballgames.doc
tennis players vs. bowlers
Reading/Writing
Discussion role plays
Rituals of Nacirema
(Source: https://www.msu.edu/~jdowell/miner.html?pagewanted=al
University 100 level reading
Creative Writing - Explore outsider's view of culture
University Department Collaborations
Nursing Department - nurses often work with diverse populations
international students speak on a panel to answer questions
work in small groups as informants
Anthropology
American students use international students to practice interviewing techniques
Freshman Seminars
Each professor chooses a theme (e.g. music - share music, give examples, explain history, etc.)
Book -
Cultures in Contrast (Michigan)
American Culture
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