Overcoming Cultural Biases

02/26/2007

Kind words conquer.
Tamil Proverb

In an Exchange article, "The Power of Observation: Building Relationships with Families," which is used as the basis for an Out of the Box Training Kit by the same name, Amy Dombro, Judy Jablon, and Margo Dichtelmiler offer these strategies for teachers working with families from different cultures.

Understanding culture and cultural differences is not easy even when you have the best intentions and you and families are each invested in their child's well-being and learning. Here are some strategies that can help you get beyond barriers of cultural differences and build trusting relationships:

Be aware of how your culture — your attitudes, beliefs, and expectations — shapes you as a person and teacher. This will give you some insight into the deep influence culture has on others, including the children and families with whom you work.
Observe to discover similarities as well as the differences between your culture and those of children and families. Like most of us, you may find similarities easier to deal with than differences. But remember, differences exist, and recognizing them is necessary before we can bridge them. Be open to and try to accept and acknowledge both.
Seek more information to understand what culture means to each family and the ways in which it is reflected in their behavior. Continue to observe and listen; as trust grows, share some of your questions and your own experiences and beliefs.

Cultural collisions and tensions between teachers and family members are part of life. If parents of the same child disagree, for example, about the right way to respond to a child's challenging behavior based on how they were raised, it is no surprise that caregivers and parents are caught short by differences not only between their own cultures but between the cultures of home and child care or school. The challenge is to get beyond asking what is right and wrong to being able to see another person's point of view and to communicate openly, always keeping in mind your common goal of supporting the child.

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