Individual Differences In Language Learning: A Complex Systems Theory Perspective

Individual Differences in Language Learning: A Complex Systems Theory Perspective

Linguistic diversity refers to the difference between languages and cultural diversity refers to the difference in cultures. In a classroom, learners belonging to different cultures who speak different languages may be present. India is a diverse nation where people belonging to different religions, cultures, social backgrounds, and the like reside. It is a secular nation.

Importance Of Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Diversity

By fostering education for understanding diversity and different cultures of India in the classroom:

1. Understanding of Different Cultures:

Students will have an understanding of their classmate’s culture. They will learn about each other’s cultural background and have compassion for it.

2. Promotes Equality:

Students will not feel left out or as being treated unequally. They will feel a sense of belongingness in the classroom and school.

3. Understanding of Diversity:

It helps in giving students a deeper understanding of diversity. This will help the students in broadening their knowledge about cultural differences.

4. Observance of Holidays:

Students will understand the holiday traditions of each culture and why it is celebrated. They will be encouraged to celebrate the different cultures represented in the classroom.

5. Fosters Comfort:

Students will feel more comfortable and safe inside as well as outside the classroom.

6. Fosters Confidence:

Students will feel more confident in themselves as well as while interacting with their peers.

7. Develops Mutual Respect:

Students will grow up to be open-minded, treat everyone equally, and have empathy for others irrespective of race, religion, culture, etc.

Ways to Incorporate Inclusive Education

Here are some ways in which teachers and schools can incorporate inclusion in education.

1. Get to know your students:

Cultural awareness can be bought in the classroom only when the teacher understands each student. Every student is unique and the teacher should try to understand each student’s cultural background. This will help students learn about each other’s culture and have compassion for it.

2. Respect every student:

The teacher should treat all the students equally. There should be no prejudice inside the classroom. A kid may feel that because of his/her cultural background, the teacher treats him/her differently from others. Looking at the teacher, many students may follow the same behavior with the kid. Hence, a teacher also must treat every student equally without any discrimination.

3. Give assignments related to cultural diversity:

Assignments related to their cultural background should be given to the students to present in the classroom. Students will do proper research on it and share their cultural knowledge with their classmates. This way every student will have an understanding of their classmates’ culture. The students themselves will also have a better understanding of their own culture.

4. Examine your teaching materials:

As a teacher, try to expand your cultural knowledge and share the information acquired with your students. This is a very effective way of making students understand the importance of cultural diversity. It helps in giving students a deeper understanding of diversity. This will not only be helpful for the students but the teacher too in broadening the knowledge of cultural differences.

5. Observe the holidays of every culture:

Celebrate the holidays of every culture so that students feel a sense of belonging in the classroom and school. This way the students will understand the holiday traditions of each culture and why it is celebrated. Encourage all students to celebrate the different cultures represented in the classroom.

Diversity in the classroom will help students learn from each other as well as help the students in their personal development. For a teacher to teach effectively and for students to work as a team, understanding each other in every aspect is essential. This will lead to healthy relationships among the classmates and a good atmosphere in the classroom.