The Importance of Understanding Cultural Beliefs at WGU

The Importance of Understanding Cultural Beliefs at WGU

At Western Governors University (WGU), students come from diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds. With such a dynamic environment, it is important for faculty and staff to understand and respect different cultural beliefs in order to foster a supportive learning environment for all students.

Why Cultural Understanding Matters

Language, values, and beliefs shape each person’s worldview, influencing how they perceive and interact with the world around them. Without awareness and sensitivity to these differences, misunderstandings, conflicts, and exclusion can occur, which can negatively impact the academic and social success of students.

For instance, many students come from cultures that place great importance on respect for authority figures and hierarchical structures. In such cultures, questioning a teacher or professor’s authority may be seen as disrespectful or confrontational, resulting in disengagement from class participation. Alternatively, other cultures may place a greater emphasis on group-oriented activities and collaboration, leading to discomfort or frustration in individual-focused academic environments.

Examples of Cultural Differences at WGU

At WGU, international students comprise a significant portion of the student population, bringing with them unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds. These students may face challenges related to language barriers, adjusting to new academic and cultural norms, and mastering the specific vocabulary and grammar used in academic fields.

Additionally, students from indigenous communities may face cultural biases or discrimination due to lack of awareness and understanding from their peers and instructors. Faculty and staff who take the time to learn about these cultures and how they shape students’ experiences can create a more welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

Strategies for Culturally Responsive Teaching

To create a culturally responsive classroom, educators need to recognize cultural differences and tailor learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of their students. Here are some strategies to consider:

Establish open communication with students

Encourage students to share their cultural perspectives, ask questions and provide feedback on how to improve the learning environment.

Use diverse teaching materials

Incorporate materials from different cultures and perspectives in the curriculum. This not only helps students see themselves in the classroom but also promotes diversity and cultural awareness.

Acknowledge and respect cultural differences

Recognize and respect differences in cultural expression, values, and worldviews. This includes refraining from stereotyping based on cultural identities.

Use inclusive language

Avoid language that is offensive or excludes certain cultural groups. Use gender-neutral pronouns when referring to groups and avoid using slang or colloquialisms that may be unfamiliar to some students.

Conclusion

At WGU, promoting cultural understanding and respect is essential to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. By recognizing and embracing cultural differences, we can enhance student success and help our students become culturally competent global citizens.