Classrooms can have an extremely diverse range of students from several countries and cultures. As an educator, care needs to be taken when approaching values and beliefs to let students feel acknowledged and respected.

1. Teaching In ACross-Cultural Environment
A person’s culture is defined by the way that they were raised. Culture could vary based upon
the morals and values instilled in them, their nationality, gender religion background and more. It
goes deeper than observable behaviours like language and mannerisms to include beliefs,
concepts and perspectives.
Canada, like many places from around the world, is proving to be more multicultural than ever
before. Our multicultural society is reflected in our schools and opening us up to new
opportunities and challenges.
Culture in the Classroom
Classrooms can have an extremely diverse range of students from several countries and
cultures. My own classroom has native Canadians, Iranians, Bosnians and Arabs to name a
few. That isn’t even considering religion. In such a complex and diverse situation, it is easy for a
teacher to make a mistake. As an educator, care needs to be taken when approaching values
and beliefs to let students feel acknowledged and respected.
Being culturally competent means first understanding yourself and our own beliefs, limitations
and biases. Take the time and effort to get to know students and their families outside the
classroom to gain a deeper understanding of their culture. Compassion is essential when
learning of student backgrounds and cultures, their approaches to problem-solving and
discipline.
Combating Discrimination
Every human is susceptible to emotions like intolerance, ignorance and fear. Students are no
strangers to these emotions, having to regularly come together to learn, eat and play. They are
curious to know more about themselves and others around them, especially if they differ from
each other. In such situations, it is necessary for teachers and parents to provide answers and
address the situation.
If left to ignorance, students might isolate or discriminate against students from different
backgrounds or cultures. Students who feel targeted due to cultural differences can have
impaired social interactions or become depressed. Effective communication is essential to avoid
misinterpretation or situations like these. Much of human communication is nonverbal
communication so make use of body language, such as smiling, to put students at ease.
Empowering Cultural Identities
Embracing multiculturalism requires the efforts of the whole school, with proper classroom
policies. Diverse teachers can be empowered as well to express their cultural heritage and
increase cooperation and enrich the community through culture, connections and collaboration.
Diversity of culture within a class is a great opportunity to learn about other new cultures,
tolerance and respect. Teachers must maintain an atmosphere of equality and respect. The

2. cultural identity of each person is unique and exploring that identity in a classroom setting is
healthy and rewarding. Multicultural classrooms allow students to become more inclusive and
respectful.
Learning Opportunities
Culture variations in a classroom are opportunities to learn about festivals like Ramzan or Diwali
and educate students with regards to cultures from around the world. Establishing learning in a
multicultural community in the classroom ensures that each student remains open and
respectful of another person's culture. Students and teachers can research other cultures and
challenge their own interpretations and perspectives.
For example, religion is a topic that frequently arises. With people of different faiths and beliefs,
it can lead to curiosity and debates. To ensure that students are not discriminated against,
teachers must create a positive environment that allows for the sharing of information and
acknowledging different viewpoints to make students feel acknowledged and validated and
encourages cross-cultural interaction.
Preparing for a Diverse World
Understanding the students’ background and communicating with them helps them adjust to a
new environment. Canada, especially, aims to break down the divide between the teacher and
the student. Furthermore, discussion and challenging ideas are accepted, departing from the
theme of the teacher as an authoritarian and respected figure.
A cross-cultural environment can have a very positive effect upon a community, helping it grow,
accept and get along with everyone around them. It is up to the teacher, curriculum and school
to make sure that students learn about cultural differences and the diverse world they live in.