W05 Blog: Culture Miscommunication

Different cultures have different ways of communicating. Americans are rather blunt and want meetings to last short periods of time, with preparation to take place outside the classroom or meeting room. While other cultures may use long meetings as a time to converse together to find the best ideas or solutions.

Cultures have different characteristics that are acceptable but may be considered rude in another country. In some countries it is normal to wear ones shoes inside someone else's home, but, for example, in many Asian countries shoes are taken off at the front door.

Clothing and interaction with the opposite gender may also vary by country or region.

It is important to understand the culture(s) of your students, as it may impact your teaching methods as well as how the students learn. This may also require the teacher to spend more time explaining how the American culture differs from the students' culture(s).