Cultural,Linguistic and Languge Influences Upon Classroom Success

School success is dependent on many factors and can be influenced by many observable and non-observable factors.  This paper looks at some of those factors as way to limit their interactions and increase student classroom success. Below I explored three questions that are important to understanding their impact and the role they subsequently play in the totality of classroom student success. 

What influence does culture have on a student's school success?   

Nieto and Bode suggest that we use, affirm, and sustain culture and language rather than erase them in our classroom.  As suggested by Nieto and Bode (2008) a key component of this is that cultural, linguistic connections can play a key role in student’s academic success. Nieto and Bode also suggest that in order to successfully develop academic achievement in the classroom, teachers and schools need to take a look at:

•   A redefinition of education and success
•   Pride and conflict in culture and language
•   The role of activities not related to academics in sustaining school success
•   The important support of family, community, and teachers (p.340).

How does linguistic diversity influence classroom performance?   

Linguistic diversity influences classroom performance in influencing the kinds of teachers themes teachers can consideration when beginning to implement activities in the classroom. Activities such as multicultural stories in the student’s native language as away to affirm student’s self identity, role play activities, mini history lessons in which students learn about various cultures other than their own. Encourage discussions that involve all students, foster feelings of emotional well-being by creating an environment that respects all students’ opinions. Because many of these themes translate outside of the classroom, plan field trips to art museums, as a way of learning about other cultures and their own, these trips can be a great way for students to talk and learn about each other.

What impact do culture and language have on a family's involvement in school and on their child's education?  

 Family influences are vitally important in the overall schema of school and community relationships. Parents need to feel like an integral part of their student’s learning so making sure that all parents feel welcome is first with an invitation of an open door policy and welcome to come to class to see what their child is learning.  In addition, because many students culture is closely tied to family, teachers must invite family members in the classroom and send homework home that involves student and parents working together. The parents can also be used as real-life examples by inviting them into the classroom to talk about their experiences.  In addition, language barriers as suggested by Zirpoli (2008)  involve what is known as  “language switching” or “language mixing” which is common for many minority households and teachers need to be aware of the subtle differences between the English language and minority language in carrying on a conversation within the classroom setting (p.73-4). In addition, he adds that teachers must b e aware of traditional values and belief systems in order to gain an appreciation of how and why student’s behaviors are affected (p.80).

References

Nieto, S., & Bode, P. (2008). Affirming diversity: the sociopolitical context of multicultural   education. 

Boston,  MA: Pearson.

Zirpoili, (2008).  Behavior management applications for teachers. (5th Ed.). Upper Saddle River.