Cultural Sensitivity in the TEFL Classroom: Best Practices

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a TEFL teacher is the opportunity to connect with students and teachers from all backgrounds and experiences. You will meet and teach students from different cultural backgrounds and nationalities, especially if you teach online. Teaching online can mean you teach a student from Asia for one hour and then a student from South America the next! 

Along with this opportunity to interact with other cultures comes the need to be culturally sensitive while delivering your classes. It’s the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that students are happy in their learning environment and can build positive relationships with both the teacher and other students in the TEFL classroom.

Why is cultural sensitivity important?

Students feel respected and comfortable when both the teacher and other students in the class understand their culture and traditions. They don’t feel judged or out of place. This creates a safe learning space for students and generates a positive learning environment. If students feel any negative emotions in the classroom, traditional or virtual, then they won’t want to be there and won’t learn in the same way. It can also create negative relationships with others in the class.

Students can also be exposed to different cultures when they take English language lessons. This is especially true if they take an online class or travel to another country to study. In today’s world, it’s essential to encourage kindness and openness towards other cultures. This can be facilitated in the TEFL classroom. This is why it is important for TEFL teachers to show and promote cultural sensitivity.

Cultural factors to consider in the TEFL classroom 

Topics

While at higher levels it can certainly be useful to address more complex topics and world events, it must be done with caution. Each culture usually has taboo topics. Common ones are politics and religion which can cause tension if students are persistent about a contrasting view they have. Other topics that can be culturally sensitive for students are money and gender roles. Of course these topics can be approached but the teacher should be aware of any conflicts that might arise between students. 

A topic might be taboo for one culture and not so taboo for others. For example, in some countries, it is not advised to talk about salaries. In others, there are more open dialogues in relation to wages. It can be an interesting focal point for students to discuss this and the differences, without having to partake in any actual discussion about money. This is a way of including everyone and also providing a way for students to understand each other more.

Previous education experience 

The school systems vary from country to country and how students have learnt in the past can vary significantly. Some systems place more importance on rote learning, especially regarding languages. You might find that students from certain countries are not used to speaking so much in English but could tell you all the irregular verb forms in a second. Patience and understanding is key to help students integrate into your learning method.

How students can view a teacher 

Different cultures will view the role and formality of a teacher differently. For example, in many Asian cultures, the teacher is considered the utmost authority and must not be challenged. Teachers might be expected to dress more professionally and are referred to by their surname. These students might not speak up so much in class. It may take longer to develop a friendlier rapport with them.

In other cultures, while teachers are still respected, there may be less formality. Teachers dress more casually and are referred to by their first names. Students may not be afraid to challenge the teacher or make jokes. Whilst the rapport can develop quickly with these students, it’s essential to establish firm boundaries and your authority in the TEFL classroom as the teacher to avoid any disrespect. 

Non-verbal communication 

Gestures and body language can say a lot. As TEFL teachers, we might use these forms of communication even more to help convey meaning. This is especially true when we have learners with a lower language level. However, what we may view as ‘normal’ gestures in our culture could have the opposite effect on another. For example, did you know that crossing your fingers in Vietnam is offensive? Or that pointing considered very rude in Malaysia? Think about how many teachers you’ve seen point to something, it can be very common in Western cultures.

If you are working in a monolingual context where your students are mostly of the same nationality, then it’s very important to be aware of gestures that might offend the whole class. Whilst students may be sympathetic to the new foreign teacher who has inadvertently made such a gesture, if it continues over time, they might not be as understanding. Sometimes, simply asking your students is a good idea, as it shows you want to learn and are genuinely conscious of not offending people.

How to include cultural sensitivity into your classroom

Get to know your students

Take the time to know your students’ backgrounds and cultures. This can work well in multicultural classrooms. You can create exercises about simple things, such as food, where students exchange information about what is typical for them and their families. Respect any important holidays that your students might observe. If possible, allow extensions for any assessments if the deadline falls on these days.

Students are also often curious about the teacher’s culture, especially if they are from an English-speaking country. Share your culture with them, too. You can prepare lessons about common holidays in your country and what you typically do on these days. If you’re comfortable, you can share photos of your life back at home. 

Be inclusive in your teaching

Use materials that show the diversity of the world in your classroom. This not only helps your students feel more inclusive but also provides them with a realistic view of the world. Avoid any cultural bias when writing materials or assessments. Each student should have an equal chance to learn and pass any assessments on the course.

Encourage your students to be open to learning with each other 

It’s very typical for students of the same nationality or language to sit together and want to work in groups together. After all, it’s natural human behaviour to sit with those you feel more ‘at home’ with. Try to mix up students of different nationalities when doing pair and group work. Not only will this encourage them to practise English more but it will also allow them to get to know new people.

While there may be some topics that are better avoided in a multicultural TEFL classroom, others can help students to learn more about other cultures and backgrounds. Creating activities where they share about a typical day in their house or a special event that is celebrated in their city/country can help promote cultural awareness among your students.

Open up a discussion

Encourage positive discussion between students. You can also incorporate your own advice into your lessons about what might be considered offensive in your country. It’s good for students to learn about this, especially if they are interested in visiting your country. Then, you can open up a discussion about any differences between your culture and theirs. 

Be patient and observant 

It’s not always easy for students to express their discomfort with a topic or with something that has come up in the classroom during the lesson. This is especially true if they are from a cultural background where they feel they cannot approach the teacher as easily. Make sure you monitor any issues that may arise between students and protect both students from any embarrassment or conflict.

If any conflict does arise, address it calmly and patiently, often after the lesson. Encourage an open dialogue for students to express their concerns. If two students simply do not get on, then having them work in separate groups might be the best solution. Ensure that your class is aware that any disrespectful comments will not be tolerated.

Show patience with your learners. As they become more comfortable with you and learn that they can approach you with important matters if they need to. If you feel there is a much better issue at hand, then consult with management in your school or company about how to best deal with it.

By embracing diversity, respecting different perspectives, and adapting teaching methods accordingly, TEFL teachers can enhance student engagement and create a positive learning environment. Through continuous learning and mindful interactions, TEFL teachers can play a vital role in preparing students for an increasingly globalised world.

Cultural sensitivity is important in any aspect of today’s world. The TEFL classroom can help foster positive relations and increase awareness for both teachers and students. The TEFL classroom is a chance to learn from each other and increase our understanding of those who might have a different background to our own. The teacher serves as a key role in this. They help to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all.