In Cummins theory, Language Policies as Emancipotory, "Pressuring students to conform to schooling practices that are unfair or discriminitory results in a loss of their identity as human beings."
(Diaz Rico, p 27) This particular quote really struck me as a teacher because so often we try to teach our English language learners, and all of our students for that matter based on our own experience and culture. Many times as teachers we can get so lazy not realizing that when we ignore the culture and experience of our students, especially those learning English as a second language, we can reduce their self worth, deminish their ability to think critically, and ultimately cause many English language learners to come to school with a loss of motivation to learn. My first hand experience in tutoring the English language learner in my class was such a positive one, because I really made the effort to learn her culture and even many Spanish words to reinforce the lessons. I saw the massive potential in my student, and she even became more engaged in lessons for the whole class because I had made so much effort to connect with her and her culture in our tutorial sessions. While reviewing the nea.org website, while clicking on cultural competence for educators, I have a lot to learn about the culture of my student learning Enlish. "Culture is as much, or as little, as the everyday experiences, people, events, smells, sounds, and habits of behavior that characterize students' and educators' lives. Culture shapes a person's sense of who he or she is and where he or she fits in the family, community, and society." (http://www.nea.org/tools/30402.htm)
I also read the blog of Lindsay Hughes on chapter 2. She made some insightful points about being able to help students to build self confidence at any age. No matter where a student is in their education we must learn their strengths and weaknesses, but most of all to build off their strengths to teach them that they can as Lindsay put it, "Achieve something and can change their own lives." I think this also goes back to what I wrote in my first paragraph that we as teachers must learn the culture and practices of the every day lives of our English language learners in order that they would reach their maximum potential ultimately building their self confidence in school. I also read Emily Ismael's blog on Chapter 1. Chapter 1 definately related to the issue of delving into the culture of our English language learners especially here in California. As Emily read in the text, minorities now outnumber the majority in California and this has been the trend since the year 2000. Of course as educators, it would always be easier to draw upon our own culture and heritage in teaching our students, however to be a good educator, we must evolve with the ever changing demographics of our district populations. In order to be a great teacher and to truly impact our students we must be culturally sensitive and incorporate as much of the experience of all of our students into our teaching so that each student will reach their highest potential.
