Communication, the Key to Success

The culturally competent teacher communicates in ways that demonstrate sensitivity to sociocultural and linguistic differences, using a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques that encourage positive social interaction and support learning in their classroom.

I have three students that I tutor. Each student is different. They have different learning styles, different backgrounds, and most importantly, very different personalities. As their teacher I have to be able to communicate to them in a way that takes all of these factors into consideration. The way I teach and the information that I teach must be acceptable and sensitive to the student's individual personality factors. Something that may not be offensive to me or my friends may be offensive to my students. Therefore, when I first began teaching these students, I worked hard to understand their learning styles and their personalities. This involved a lot of listening and communication. Every time I come into the classroom I ask the students how they are or what has been going on since last I saw them. I may also ask them some simple "ice-breaker" questions before we begin. I also observe their responses to the way that I am teaching them, either through the body language, their response in their work, or their verbal responses. As I became to know their personalities better I was able to communicate more effectively toward them. Since I only teach three students I am able to hear a lot more out of my students than if I was helping a whole class.

I try to be very encouraging toward my students. Sometimes they can be very shy, especially about asking questions, so I try to really observe their body language. I want them to feel very free to ask questions without embarrassment or the fear of rejection. The students have self-esteem issues and I need to make sure that it does not get hurt anymore. However, I want all of their voices to be heard, so I need to make them trust me and feel comfortable in the environment. Megan Boler explains, "....the obligation of educators is not to guarantee a space that is free from hostility - an impossible and sanitizing task - but rather, to challenge oneself and one's students to critically analyze any statement made in a classroom." I have tried to utilize this thought with my students. I want them to ask questions and understand why they are doing what they are doing. These students have been driven into the bad habit of just accepting what people tell them. I am trying to teach them that they can ask questions and challenge what is being presented to them, whether it be in school or at home.