Dr. Jean DeVard-Kemp
Assistant Commissioner
Office of Adult Literacy

IN THIS ISSUE

When establishing a multi-cultural classroom, many factors are considered. Reading materials must use basic English, free from slang and idiomatic expressions. Assessments should be designed to avoid cultural bias, and exercises must appear relevant to students' daily lives. Cultural considerations have an effect on both the teacher's instruction and the student's rate of learning.

Walker County has a small English Literacy population. As such, ELP classes have been incorporated into the regular adult education course schedule, with ELP classes being conducted in a large classroom, and Adult Basic Education students working in close proximity.

Northwestern Technical Institute serves students from Central and South America, Asia, Europe, and the South Pacific. Students from other countries share stories about politics, economics and other experiences from their homelands. Northwestern Technical Institute uses Celebrate With Us, a text that describes different faiths and cultures during the holidays. This book has proven to be enriching for both the ELP and ABE students in the classroom according to full-time Literacy Teacher, Donna Pierce.

"A couple from Mexico in my class hosted a Christmas party. Amelia, one of the students, cooked authentic traditional Mexican Christmas foods. Her teenage children decorated and filled pinatas for the celebration. Most of us had never seen a real pinata, nor had we enjoyed breaking one,"

(Back row, left-right) George, Jan, John & Jiri from the Czech Republic.
(Front row,left-right) Amelia & Cirilo from Mexico with Teacher Donna Pierce.

Pierce said. "The students were reluctant to go scrambling for the treats as children would do, but everyone enjoyed sharing the tradition just the same."

Pierce's ABE students have learned that many countries do not share the same economic advantages as the United States. A Czech student described to the class that in her country students rode bicycles or walked to class. A student from the Ukraine shared how her entire family had to live on a disability pension because there was no work. Despite the hardships, these students have endured and are engaged in making life better. Their desire to learn to speak and use the English language is based on necessity.

Some ABE students have had little experience outside of Georgia. As a result, they have been slow to receive students from outside the United States. ELP students have helped break down the misconceptions and stereotypes that many of the United States students have learned.

Sharing experiences allows ELP students, ABE students, and instructors to appreciate the cultural similarities and differences of one another.

Despite this assimilation, assessment remains a difficult task for instructors. Verbal and formal assessment have aided teachers in determining reading levels. Cultural differences, however, still must be considered when dealing with ELP students. Pierce uses diversity as a tool for broadening students' horizons. A teacher who demonstrates an appreciation for all cultures is better able to facilitate the exchange of new ideas and information.

Donna Pierce
Full-Time Literacy Teacher
Northwestern Technical Institute
Rock Spring, Georgia
SDA # 1