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Cultural sensitivity is defined as bing aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist without assigning them a value – positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong (www.theredshoemovement.com, 2014) . Cultural sensitivity helps to ensure maximum learning and performance for students. Having an instructor who is culturally sensitive will help foster a relationship between teacher and student and will motivate the student in their studies. It is unfortunate that while teachers are often given guidelines on what to teach there are not real guidelines for teaching cultural sensitivity. In order to create an atmosphere of effective inclusive education the teacher must start by becoming sensitive to cultural diversity and appreciative of individual differences (Morris & Mims, n.d.). With respect for other cultures the classroom can foster respect and students and teachers can coexist peacefully. Schools are powerful agents in providing insight to difficult cultural questions and issues facing students today (Morris & Mims, n.d.). In order to do so there must be the creation of a multicultural climate in the classroom. The teacher can do things such as display a world map and have each student pinpoint where they are from. This is especially important for ESL classrooms. The teacher may also use culturally diverse tools and literature. Finding folk stories from different cultures would be a fun and diverse learning tool. Teachers must make ESL students feel welcome. Once a rapport has been established there should be increased communications. Treating each student as someone special is key to building respect and building an open line of communication. Cultural sensitivity cannot be taught. This is something that is inherent in a person. What we can do as scholars of social change is educate our youth on diversity and its importance to world peace and harmony. With continued reinforcement of the importance of cultural sensitivity students will understand the value of embracing different cultures One way to help build a culturally sensitive environment is to turn your role from instructor to facilitator. In doing so you are creating a nurturing environment for students by reducing the power differential between the instructor and students (Lynch, 2014). The teacher must maintain a high level of sensitivity for language concerns and must also promote a strict environment for respectful learning. Lynch (2014) tells us that a culturally responsive curriculum is both inclusive in that it ensures that all students are included within all aspects of the school and it acknowledges the unique differences students may possess. It is also important to encourage self-testing by the students. While standard testing in the classroom is a good tool, being able to embrace self-testing will enable students to understand and remember better. Keep In mind that no two students are alike. Each student comes from a different background and each student will learn and grow at his or her own pace. A good teacher will set goals and reward milestones in order to become a more understanding and motivating instructor. References Lynch, M. (2014). 6 Ways Teachers Can Foster Cultural Awareness in the Classroom. Retrieved from blogs.edweek.org/ Morris, R. & Mims, R. (n.d.). Making classrooms culturally sensitive. Retrieved from https://docs.purdue.com/ What is cultural sensitivity? (n.d.). Retrieved from www.theredshoemovement.com/
