11

““Reaching Immigrant Students:Reaching Immigrant Students:10 Strategies for Teachers”10 Strategies for Teachers”

Virginia M. TongVirginia M. Tong,, Ph.D.Ph.D. ((TESOLTESOL, Hunter College of CUNY), Hunter College of CUNY)

Tom McIntyreTom McIntyre,, Ph.D.Ph.D. (Special Ed(Special Ed, Hunter College of CUNY), Hunter College of CUNY)

While you’re waitingWhile you’re waitingWhat things do you do to help your immigrant What things do you do to help your immigrant students adjust to their new country?students adjust to their new country? How do you help them to better handle the How do you help them to better handle the struggle between two cultures as they redefine struggle between two cultures as they redefine their personal “sense of self”?their personal “sense of self”?

2

Stages of AcculturationStages of Acculturation1.1. EuphoriaEuphoria (Excited, Enthusiastic, Curious)(Excited, Enthusiastic, Curious)..

2.2. Culture ShockCulture Shock (Disillusioned, Homesick)(Disillusioned, Homesick)..

3.3. Gradual RecoveryGradual Recovery..- An active search for one’s true self ensues - An active search for one’s true self ensues

- A “- A “Cross cultural identityCross cultural identity” begins to form” begins to form

- - Change is a constant intra-personal companionChange is a constant intra-personal companion..

4.4. Assimilation/Acculturation/AdaptationAssimilation/Acculturation/Adaptation (full recovery)(full recovery)..

Brown, Brown,

20012001..

3

Adjusting to America… Adjusting to America… Culture Scenarios Culture Scenarios

Which stage of acculturation?Which stage of acculturation? Chen crosses the street while staring blankly Chen crosses the street while staring blankly

into the sky.into the sky. Carmen, a 17 year-old high school student Carmen, a 17 year-old high school student

tells you that she wants to finish school and tells you that she wants to finish school and return to her home country.return to her home country.

Ven is afraid to raise his hand to ask to go to Ven is afraid to raise his hand to ask to go to the bathroom.the bathroom.

Ben got into college and began to understand Ben got into college and began to understand what it meant to be in Americawhat it meant to be in America..

4

1. Learn About The Cultural 1. Learn About The Cultural Backgrounds Of Your StudentsBackgrounds Of Your Students

Teachers should learn about the home life of Teachers should learn about the home life of their students…their students…

But what & whyBut what & why??

These important influences on one’s sense of These important influences on one’s sense of self can be categorized intoself can be categorized into

“ “Levels of CultureLevels of Culture””..

5

Level 1: “Surface culture”Level 1: “Surface culture” Items produced by a cultureItems produced by a culture

ArtifactsArtifacts TechnologyTechnology FoodsFoods ArchitectureArchitecture ClothingClothing

Other cultures are often judged as "Other cultures are often judged as "superiorsuperior" or " or ""inferiorinferior" based on this level… " based on this level… the physical realmthe physical realm

Few individuals are able to converse intelligently Few individuals are able to converse intelligently at deeper levels of cultureat deeper levels of culture..

6

Level 2: Actions & MovementsLevel 2: Actions & Movements(ceremonies, body language, movement patterns, emotionality)(ceremonies, body language, movement patterns, emotionality)

Which is the correct way to non-verbally indicate "Which is the correct way to non-verbally indicate "meme""?? Which is the correct color to wear to a wedding? FuneralWhich is the correct color to wear to a wedding? Funeral??

When you're in your house of worship, which is correctWhen you're in your house of worship, which is correct?? Be quiet while leader speaks.Be quiet while leader speaks. Talk back to the leader & make your support known verbally.Talk back to the leader & make your support known verbally.

Sit with your family.Sit with your family. Sit with others of your gender.Sit with others of your gender.

Close your hands with face down when praying.Close your hands with face down when praying. Open your hands with face up when prayingOpen your hands with face up when praying..

When you meet someone, how should you respondWhen you meet someone, how should you respond?? Clasp their hand in your own.Clasp their hand in your own. Clasp your own hands.Clasp your own hands.

Stand tall with strong eye contact.Stand tall with strong eye contact. Bow with eyes down.Bow with eyes down.

7

From your study and experience, what have you From your study and experience, what have you learned about:learned about:

Body spacing and touch?Body spacing and touch? Gender and cross-gender considerationsGender and cross-gender considerations Age considerationsAge considerations Forbidden placesForbidden places (other than groin & buttocks)(other than groin & buttocks)

Eye contact?Eye contact? During conversationDuring conversation When chastised by authorityWhen chastised by authority

8

Level 3: Speech & LanguageLevel 3: Speech & LanguageMajor effect on how reality is perceived & processedMajor effect on how reality is perceived & processed

Affects "Affects "promptnesspromptness" & what’s meant by "" & what’s meant by "on timeon time““.. European languages place great emphasis on tense.European languages place great emphasis on tense. ““Black English” expresses & uses tense differently.Black English” expresses & uses tense differently. 1st peoples’ languages don't use tense1st peoples’ languages don't use tense..

Aborigines might be judged as "Aborigines might be judged as "backwardbackward“ by us.“ by us. (Our technology use & a kaleidoscope of words to describe.)(Our technology use & a kaleidoscope of words to describe.)

However, they might view us as "socially stunted".However, they might view us as "socially stunted". Our language places emphasis on "Our language places emphasis on "thingsthings“, not“, not ""peoplepeople".". They have more 500 words for kinship… social They have more 500 words for kinship… social

connectivityconnectivity

Language structure & terminology often reflect level 4Language structure & terminology often reflect level 4..

9

Level 4: ThoughtLevel 4: ThoughtValues, ethics, religion, metaphysics, learning stylesValues, ethics, religion, metaphysics, learning styles..

Major Western & Eastern religious figures are malesMajor Western & Eastern religious figures are males Major 1st Peoples & African religious figures areMajor 1st Peoples & African religious figures are ??????

Level 4 affects, & is reflected in all other levels.Level 4 affects, & is reflected in all other levels. ““Appropriate” clothing for age & gender.Appropriate” clothing for age & gender. Who sits where.Who sits where. Who is viewed as “Who is viewed as “Head of householdHead of household”.”. Gender use in languagesGender use in languages..

Europeans stress importance of individual.Europeans stress importance of individual. Most other groups emphasize interrelations.Most other groups emphasize interrelations.

If someone fails to complete his/her homework & asks to If someone fails to complete his/her homework & asks to look at yours, is it OK?look at yours, is it OK?

Many students have to change when came to U.SMany students have to change when came to U.S..

10

Task orientedTask orientedPeople orientedPeople oriented

School supersedes familySchool supersedes familyFamily is priorityFamily is priority

Emotionally restrainedEmotionally restrainedOutward Outward oror More restrained More restrained

Resolve disputes verballyResolve disputes verballyResolve physicallyResolve physically

Defend views with factsDefend views with factsTruth is feltTruth is felt

MonochronicMonochronicPolychronicPolychronic

Precision timePrecision timeFlexible timeFlexible time

Independent Independent InterdependentInterdependent

Self-defined goalsSelf-defined goalsFamily defined goalsFamily defined goals

Excel as an individual / Family Excel as an individual / Family supports effortssupports efforts

Excel as a group / Family must Excel as a group / Family must not suffer for achievementnot suffer for achievement

Future oriented / Delay gratif.Future oriented / Delay gratif.Present orientedPresent oriented

Learn from adults Learn from adults Adults & older kids Adults & older kids

Question authority Question authority (politely)(politely)Don't question authorityDon't question authority11st st in each pair is EA middle/upperin each pair is EA middle/upper

11

Sharing CultureSharing Culture StorytellingStorytelling..

Show & TellShow & Tell.. Culture SimulatorsCulture Simulators (see “10 tips” article handout)(see “10 tips” article handout)..

Culture CapsulesCulture Capsules..

www.ilearniteach.com/CultureRev/misc_documents/cultural_capsules.htmlwww.ilearniteach.com/CultureRev/misc_documents/cultural_capsules.html

This reference can be found in your handout.This reference can be found in your handout.

12

Exploring Culture CapsulesExploring Culture Capsules A culture capsule consists of 3-4 paragraphs.A culture capsule consists of 3-4 paragraphs.

It explains one or more minimal differences It explains one or more minimal differences between the customs of one culture & between the customs of one culture & corresponding American customs.corresponding American customs.

It is usually accompanied by photos, It is usually accompanied by photos, illustrations, & relevant relics.illustrations, & relevant relics.

Culture capsules can be presentedCulture capsules can be presented in in 5 or 10 minutes5 or 10 minutes..

http://www.ilearniteach.com/CultureRev/misc_documents/cultuhttp://www.ilearniteach.com/CultureRev/misc_documents/cultural_capsules.htmlral_capsules.html

..

13

““ChiChinneseese New Year” & New Year” &““AmeAmeriricancan New Year” New Year” (Chinese New Year)(Chinese New Year)

Chinese New Year is the longest & most important Chinese New Year is the longest & most important celebration in the Chinese celebration in the Chinese (Lunar)(Lunar) calendar. calendar.

At celebrations, people wear red clothes & children At celebrations, people wear red clothes & children receive “receive “lucky moneylucky money” in bright red envelopes. ” in bright red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire that according to legend can Red symbolizes fire that according to legend can drive away bad luck.drive away bad luck.

Fireworks shower the festivities, based on the ancient Fireworks shower the festivities, based on the ancient belief that loud noise frightens away evil spirits.belief that loud noise frightens away evil spirits.

The New Year is a time of family reunion. The shape The New Year is a time of family reunion. The shape & color of foods served hold significance & color of foods served hold significance (long (long

life, life, good luck)good luck) On the 15th day of the month, the Chinese New Year On the 15th day of the month, the Chinese New Year

ends with the lantern festival & is highlighted by ends with the lantern festival & is highlighted by the dragon dancethe dragon dance.. (source: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/newyearcelebrations.html)(source: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/newyearcelebrations.html)

14

““ChiChinneseese New Year” & New Year” &““AmeAmeriricancan New Year” New Year” (American New Year)(American New Year)

The most famous tradition in America is the dropping The most famous tradition in America is the dropping of the lighted crystal ball in Times Square, of the lighted crystal ball in Times Square,

starting starting at 11:59pm. Thousands gather at 11:59pm. Thousands gather (& millions (& millions view TV)view TV) to watch the ball make its one-minute drop, to watch the ball make its one-minute drop,

arriving exactly at midnight.arriving exactly at midnight. People make “People make “New Year’s resolutions,New Year’s resolutions,” promises to ” promises to

improve themselves in the coming year. At improve themselves in the coming year. At midnight comes the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” midnight comes the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a a song about remembering old friends with song about remembering old friends with fondness, & forgetting any personal offences.fondness, & forgetting any personal offences.

The Rose Bowl football game is played in Pasadena, The Rose Bowl football game is played in Pasadena, CA on New Year’s Day. The “CA on New Year’s Day. The “Tournament of Tournament of

RosesRoses” parade with its elaborate & creative floats ” parade with its elaborate & creative floats precedes the gameprecedes the game..

15

2. Match Your Teaching Style to the 2. Match Your Teaching Style to the Learning Styles of Your StudentsLearning Styles of Your Students

Research:Research: Culture is the largest influence on Culture is the largest influence on learning stylelearning style (We learn how to learn at home) (We learn how to learn at home)

Visual vs VerbalVisual vs Verbal Preferences while learningPreferences while learning Behavioral traits while learningBehavioral traits while learning Inductive vs. DeductiveInductive vs. Deductive Field Independent vs Field DependentField Independent vs Field Dependent Sequential vs SimultaneousSequential vs Simultaneous..

16

Organize this incoming informationOrganize this incoming information..

Source: K-SOSSource: K-SOS

17

EA EA (especially male) (especially male) versus CD versus CD

Source: K-SOSSource: K-SOS

18

Tell me what Tell me what is happening is happening

in these in these pictures.pictures.

Source: K-SOSSource: K-SOS

19

What do you seeWhat do you see??

For more information on matching teaching styles to For more information on matching teaching styles to culturally different learning styles:culturally different learning styles: Does the Way We Does the Way We Teach Create Behavior Disorders In Culturally Different Teach Create Behavior Disorders In Culturally Different StudentsStudents?? http://www.behavioradvisor.com/C-Learn.htmlhttp://www.behavioradvisor.com/C-Learn.html

(This reference can be found in your handout)(This reference can be found in your handout)..

20

3. Evaluate Student Behavior 3. Evaluate Student Behavior in a Cultural Contextin a Cultural Context

ESL and/or Immigrant students experienceESL and/or Immigrant students experience AnxietyAnxiety Other emotions due to stress related to acculturation & Other emotions due to stress related to acculturation &

“fitting in”.“fitting in”.

For more information on determining whether an For more information on determining whether an ““inappropriateinappropriate” behavior is different, deviant, or a ” behavior is different, deviant, or a result of “result of “acculturation stressacculturation stress” consult these” consult these ((onlineonline) references () references (found in the handoutfound in the handout):):

Culturally sensitive & appropriate assessment for EBD.Culturally sensitive & appropriate assessment for EBD.     The culturally sensitive disciplinarianThe culturally sensitive disciplinarian Guidelines for providing appropriate services to culturally Guidelines for providing appropriate services to culturally

diverse youngsters with emotional and/or behavioral diverse youngsters with emotional and/or behavioral disordersdisorders..

21

4. Determine the Reason4. Determine the Reason(s)(s) for for Academic TroublesAcademic Troubles

Limited English proficiencyLimited English proficiency VocabularyVocabulary Structural differences from home languageStructural differences from home language Stress & mental exhaustion from high levels of concentrationStress & mental exhaustion from high levels of concentration

A validA valid “ “Learning DisabilityLearning Disability”” (special ed label)(special ed label)(To determine whether it is LEP or LD,(To determine whether it is LEP or LD,

assess students in their native/1assess students in their native/1stst language language..)) Acculturation Acculturation StressStress//TraumaTrauma from refugee experiencefrom refugee experience MismatchMismatch between between learning & teaching styleslearning & teaching styles Mismatch Mismatch between the teacher’s views & the between the teacher’s views & the

student’s perceptions ofstudent’s perceptions of “appropriate student “appropriate student behavior” behavior” in learning situationsin learning situations

Limited or different exposure Limited or different exposure to formal educationto formal education..

22

5. Keep Expectations High5. Keep Expectations High We all hold high expectations for our kids…We all hold high expectations for our kids…

BUTBUT are we expressing them in ways are we expressing them in ways that that will produce the results we seek?will produce the results we seek?

Are we giving feedback on their performance Are we giving feedback on their performance (behaviorally & academically)(behaviorally & academically) that is motivating that is motivating them to put forth their best efforts?them to put forth their best efforts?

What recommendations do you have for What recommendations do you have for offering praise and “offering praise and “criticismcriticism””??

23

Say What?!Say What?! ““OK”OK”

““Thumbs up”Thumbs up”

““V” for victoryV” for victory

Pointing & summoning with Pointing & summoning with “pointer“pointer finger”finger” Showing the soles of your feet.Showing the soles of your feet. Stars on stellar papersStars on stellar papers Others we should knowOthers we should know??

C’monC’mon…They’re in …They’re in AmAmeriericaca ((CaCananadada)) now now..

24

6. Obtain & Provide Effective Supports6. Obtain & Provide Effective Supportsfor Recent Immigrant Studentsfor Recent Immigrant Students

For which “For which “supportssupports” might we advocate” might we advocate in in order to create a welcoming and supportive order to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment?learning environment?

What programs, materials, personnel, etc. are What programs, materials, personnel, etc. are important for the success of our students? important for the success of our students? (academics, acculturation)(academics, acculturation)

Which supports can help them to develop a Which supports can help them to develop a positive positive “cross-cultural identity”“cross-cultural identity”??

ansans

25

Suggestions Suggestions (Tong, 1998)(Tong, 1998) Designate mentor teachers…advocates for individual Designate mentor teachers…advocates for individual

students. students. Recruit & hire staff who are immigrants, or speak the Recruit & hire staff who are immigrants, or speak the

languagelanguage(s)(s) and/or know the culture and/or know the culture(s)(s) of your of your immigrant students.immigrant students.

Create mini-schools within larger schools.Create mini-schools within larger schools. Create smaller classes.Create smaller classes. Initiate more group work & cross-age tutoring to allow Initiate more group work & cross-age tutoring to allow

students to support others.students to support others. Set up student outreach centers that provide support & Set up student outreach centers that provide support &

services for immigrant and LEP youngsters.services for immigrant and LEP youngsters. Form school “Form school “culture clubsculture clubs” to promote student ” to promote student

awareness, tolerance, & celebration of awareness, tolerance, & celebration of cultural/linguistic differences.cultural/linguistic differences.

Conduct professional development workshops to Conduct professional development workshops to educate staff in culturally proficient assessment, educate staff in culturally proficient assessment, instruction, behavior management, and interactioninstruction, behavior management, and interaction..

26

7. The Power of Personal Relationships7. The Power of Personal Relationships““The greatest motivator that teachers have at The greatest motivator that teachers have at

their disposal is themselves.”their disposal is themselves.” What are some things that you do to create What are some things that you do to create

positive & valued inter-personal bonds with positive & valued inter-personal bonds with your studentsyour students??

Establishing a history of positive interactionsEstablishing a history of positive interactions Celebrating their ethnicity & languageCelebrating their ethnicity & language Helping them to succeed at challenges:Helping them to succeed at challenges:

AcademicAcademic InterculturalIntercultural PersonalPersonal

Building self-confidence & competence with Building self-confidence & competence with effective praise & criticismeffective praise & criticism..

27

8. Accept the Cultural Tendencies of 8. Accept the Cultural Tendencies of Your Students While Encouraging Your Students While Encouraging Them to be Cultural ChameleonsThem to be Cultural Chameleons

Promote pride in the “old” & “new” cultures and Promote pride in the “old” & “new” cultures and languages… the foundation for a positive languages… the foundation for a positive ““cross cultural identitycross cultural identity”.”.

Help students to recognize & understand theHelp students to recognize & understand the StrengthsStrengths SimilaritiesSimilarities DifferencesDifferences

within & between the two cultureswithin & between the two cultures (to promote proficient management of (to promote proficient management of

demands of both)demands of both). .

28

9. Learn Basic Words and Ways9. Learn Basic Words and Ways

Greetings in Many Different LanguagesGreetings in Many Different Languages www.geocities.com/mailjohan/www.geocities.com/mailjohan/

WikiHowWikiHow www.wikihow.com/Say-Goodbye-in-Several-Different-Languwww.wikihow.com/Say-Goodbye-in-Several-Different-Langu

agesages

Jennifer’s Language PageJennifer’s Language Page www.elite.net/~runner/jennifers/www.elite.net/~runner/jennifers/

OmulticulturalOmulticultural www.preschoolbystormie.com/omulticultural.htmlwww.preschoolbystormie.com/omulticultural.html

**See your handout for these & other resourcesSee your handout for these & other resources..

29

10. Enjoy the Cultural Experience10. Enjoy the Cultural Experience

““A teacher never knows where his/her influence ends.”A teacher never knows where his/her influence ends.”

30

Your Thoughts?Your Thoughts?

31

Why wouldn’t this stuff work with your kids?Why wouldn’t this stuff work with your kids?

What are the exceptions to “What are the exceptions to “the rulesthe rules”?”?

Other thoughts, questions, concerns, & Other thoughts, questions, concerns, & additions?additions?

32

Thank you.Thank you.

Have a wonderful remainder Have a wonderful remainder of the conferenceof the conference

Ginny Ginny && Tom Tom