To compare individualism and collectivism seeking to find the best of the two is a bit like comparing apples to oranges.
They are both fruits and they both have a purpose.
While it is true that we engage each individual independently in education, we should also recognize his or her place not only in our classroom but in the community.
Communities that have a more collectivistic approach to their members, might influence students in a very different way that a more individualistic group might, but this in itself should not be a liability to the individuals on either group. The way in which we interpreted each student is key to use this differences as in advantage rather than a challenge.
We should not embark on this quest by ourselves. Teachers, parents, government and other corners of the community should lend a helping hand in the shaping of not only our young ones but the society in which these young ones will grow as well.
That being said, this manifestations in our student's backgrounds are part of the communities in which we will work, and so we can not separate these circumstances from the educational equation. There is not One-fits-all approach in teaching.
Our expectations, the ones from parents, and other groups must interpret what is the best way to make the community succeed, and how to do so by valuing each member.
I don't have the "Silver Bullet" that will help solve the desition about how to shape education on this particular matter, but I strongly believe that we should focus on individuals and their progress and that this progress can only mean the betterment of their communities instead of just their own.
I loved your post. To the point, dynamic and bringing up the issues we may face on both sides. We know, both parties have pros and cons and the teacher needs to realize that an ESL student from a collectivist country will act and think very differently from kids raised in an indidualistic society. However, if we consider the interactive approach in class, emphasis is given to “team work” instead of individual work. That may be a way to get students to think beyond themselves and get a more collectivistic, broader view on things.
ResponderEliminar