Impact of Culture on Teaching Practices & Nutrition Beliefs
Did you know?
Teachers may be unaware of how their personal culture and beliefs impact their teaching style, communication, and interactions within their classrooms.
Culture influences..
(Note: Click on each "+" for more information)
- Teachers’ cultural upbringing shapes what they view as appropriate behavior
- Behaviors that are deemed “appropriate” differ between cultures (ex. eye contact, proximity, tone, volume, etc.)
- A teacher’s view of appropriate behavior will determine what is to be expected in the classroom
- This ultimately impacts the classroom environment
- Food choices and practices are engrained in culture
- Attitudes and beliefs about food are learned early in life which shape decisions regarding food choices
- A teacher’s food preferences may impact the foods that students are exposed to in the classroom (ex. cooking lessons, snacks, special treats, etc.)
- Ideas about appropriate eating practices are developed early in life and shaped by cultural upbringing
- Eating practices and table manners differ between cultures
- A teacher’s view of appropriate eating behaviors are influenced by personal experience and cultural norms
- Foods are considered healthy or unhealthy based on their nutritional content
- However, people may view foods as less healthy when the foods are uncommon or culturally different than their own
- Unfamiliarity or lack of experience regarding ingredients and preparation methods with cultural dishes impacts a person’s perception of foods they consider “healthy”
Barriers to Teachers' Cultural Awareness & Understanding
Studies have indicated many barriers which impact teachers' belief in their abilities to teach culturally diverse children.
US schools are becoming more ethnically & racially diverse
Varying levels of cultural awareness & understanding
Lack of experience with cultures different from their own
Inadequate or limited diversity training
It is essential for teachers to improve their cultural competence as it relates to food and nutrition in order to:
- Understand the influence culture plays on their own nutrition practices in the classroom
- Understand how culture plays a role in their students’ nutrition behaviors
- Provide a healthy and culturally appropriate classroom environment
- Adequately communicate nutrition information to culturally diverse parents
Teaching Scenario
What option would you choose?
