Week 5: Cultural Paradigms 18 May 2020

Week 5: Cultural Paradigms

18 May 2020

     If you have ever traveled, especially outside your home country, then you probably researched or were told a few tips about the place you were headed. Depending on how diverse that place is from the local norms in your area, you will most likely face new customs and standards. These are not always accepted by foreigners and might not make sense. For example, one gesture, behavior, or phrase may be a positive sign in some cultures and negative in others. 

      All over the world, one can find innumerable paradigms that exist based on the specific area’s cultural concepts and understanding. Culture also includes expectations and standards that people should meet. These things are not always beneficial because they differ from country to country. So, in a multicultural classroom, the teacher should make efforts to create a balance. Teachers should put aside their cultural paradigms because there is a big responsibility for them. Various training and activities can be organized for teachers to help them in that process.

     I am well familiar with various cultures but still give in to paradigms from time to time. They are a part of me and associated with the local culture. However, I try to eliminate them as much as possible in the teaching environment. As I do so, it helps create a safe learning place for my students. Especially those students who are new to the area, need more compassion and support from the locals, as well as the teachers in schools. They have new struggles to cope with. Therefore, schools should be like a second home for them. And teachers can achieve it by building genuine trust and helping relationships.

     Here are some questions that I’ve always pondered about. What can specifically be done to help people think beyond their cultural paradigms? Is learning about other cultures just enough for it or do people have to live in that specific culture to understand them better?

     I like how Bob Proctor explains how people can change paradigms. According to him, we are programmed through paradigms. And we are able to control it. We can change the habits that are in us. You can watch this video to gain deeper insights.

Mane Mamajanyan