It’s All A Matter of Perspective and Learning Style
ID # 2080
The Hofstede Dimensions of Culture
The Hofstede dimensions of culture have truly put into perspective the deeper parameters of culture. These dimensions of context, individualism, collectivism, power distance, etc. have helped me see culture through a completely different lens – probably one that I would have never acknowledged until now.
Personal Insight
I see these dimensions fall into play when my suitemates and I have conversations about values and relationships. Since I am Indian, I pay a lot more respect to my elders, teachers, and older siblings than they do, signifying a difference in power distance between the American culture and the Indian culture. I also find myself observing the individualism versus collectivism scenario when it comes to sharing food: when I cook something, I make sure to offer a piece to everyone in the room and will wait until everyone has a piece before I consume mine.
On the other hand, my suitemates will quietly cook their own food and go about eating individually. Learning these cultural dimensions has allowed me to interpret behavior as a construct of culture as well.
Now, rather than seeing my suitemates’ behavior as simply selfish and reserved, I can see the dimensions of individualism and low-context of the American culture more vividly through their behavior, and I can now adapt my own perspective and behavior to create an atmosphere of comfort and openness when I am around them.
The learning styles of education have had a profound impact on my teaching style.
Analysis
Before, all of my lesson plans in Mrs. Wilkinson’s classroom would stress group work and class discussion. I would always make lesson plans that had groups making some art project and asking volunteers on-the-spot during discussions.
Now, I realize that the reason why I would stress these aspects is because they were most congruent with my learning style: a mix of converging and accommodating. Looking back, I can see how I neglected those students who enjoyed time for individual exploration, thought, and innovation, and I can see why they may have been hesitant to participate more actively.
Taking into consideration the learning styles now, I have altered my lesson plans to be accommodating for all 4 learning styles in some way.
Gradually, I have seen an increase in student participation and engagement in their tasks as I allow equal time for individual and group exercises. This increase is a direct reflection of how much more comfortable the students are with my lesson plans.
It is great to know now that I can configure my lesson plans to be appealing to all types of learners and give room for students to excel in their own comfort zone.
***Photos are all released by the permission of students’ parent/guardian.
Further India Resources:
Culture Kit:
Videos:
Interacting with the Indian Diaspora
Indian Culture as Examined Through Bollywood Film
Articles:
The Individual Versus the Group: India’s Balancing Act
Differences in Communication Styles: My American and Indian Families
India: Why are communication styles important?
Culture + Education = Limitless
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