Finally, a consideration in the multicultural classroom is student–teacher interac-
tion protocols. Students from different cultures will have varied attitudes toward
their teachers. Those coming from hierarchical cultures will probably see teachers as
high-status authority figures and interact formally. In contrast, students of egalitarian
cultures, such as the United States, may frequently be on a first-name basis with their
instructor, who will likely dress informally. In Israeli schools, students may openly
criticize the instructor^40 and will often use first names. Eye and physical contact can
also vary, with Asian students avoiding both, while Mexicans are likely to be more
open to touching the shoulder or arm. Student expectations of their teacher’s appear-
ance and conduct are also culturally driven. Professors in formal, hierarchical cultures
will be expected to dress formally and maintain a proper relationship of distance with
students.
The considerations discussed in this section were intended to demonstrate the com-
plexities of cultural influences in a multicultural classroom. We now provide some
recommendations on how to become a culturally responsive teacher in any setting.Multicultural Classroom Communication Strategies
As previously mentioned, there is a very good possibility that you will find yourself in
an instructional position during your professional career, and your students or clients
will almost certainly come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Communicating
effectively in a culturally diverse educational setting will present you with a variety
of challenges and calls for the development and implementation of appropriate com-
munication strategies. With this in mind, we offer the following guidelines that can
assist in creating a beneficial learning environment for a multicultural audience:- Developan appropriate attitude
Recognize that your own perspectives and behaviors are culturally based and
may be different from some of your students’
Increase self-awareness and knowledge of cultural differences
To improve understanding and tolerance, continually expose students to other
cultures- Promoteconversations about culture
Create student awareness of their own and other cultures
Engage students in discussions of cultural similarities and differences
Employ classroom activities that require student collaboration
Ensure that all groups have cross-cultural representation - Bealert for cultural conflict
Recognize the potential for culturally based misunderstanding and conflict
Make it clear that cultural differences are to be viewed from a tolerant
perspective
Establish ground rules for classroom discussions (e.g., ethnic-based humor is off
limits)
Stress the need for an unbiased attitude toward other peoples’beliefs,values,
and behaviors
364 CHAPTER 10• Intercultural Communication in Contexts
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