Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom

Tip Sheet 9

Howard Bailey and John O'Connor from the CTL Workshop on April 19, 1995

1. Realize that because of the state of our society all things will not always be fair or even seem fair to those who have been discliminated against. Be alert to subtle fonns of racism on campus and in the classroom.
2. Set up an informal, accepting classroom atmosphere by using cooperative groups and projecting genuiness. Familianze yourself with your students even though it is hard.
3. Focus on the uniqueness of each person. ASK the student what he/she needs. Don't expect one minonty student to speak for the entire minonty group.
4. Incorporate different cultures into teaching content.
5. Use a checklist for grading papers.
6. Show samples of good wnting to the whole class using overheads.
For more information about this workshop, contact any of the following individuals who attended or the CTL staff: Jacqueline Pope- Tarrance, Carol Graham, Stephen Benford, Mary Alice Hildreth, Chad M. Gesser, Carolyn McRoy.