Demographics
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Values & Beliefs
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celebrations
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The challenges of a Indian English Language Learner are continuously present within and out of the classroom environment. Canadian teachers need to be aware of culture differences in their pedagogical practices. Consider the following:
- The comparatively relaxed hierarchy in Western culture (i.e. parent-teacher interactions) - Absence of the caste system in society. It may cause them to be unsure how to act in a social environment (i.e. between peers, student-teacher relationship) - Dining etiquette: The use of fork and knife as primary means to consume food rather than their hand or only fork and spoon; to leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate you are full (i.e. Be conscious of ELL during nutrition breaks) - The lack of emphasis on Diwali and other important holidays relative to their home country (i.e. Be sure to be inclusive of holidays in your classroom and to not assume everyone celebrates Christmas, for example) - Dietary needs due to religion since Christianity is the most dominant religion in Canada (i.e. Note to student and the parent during special hot food orders or on field trips) - Colours do not have as much meaning. For example, white is for funeral as opposite to a wedding or having lucky colours like yellow. |