2/1/22; Week 5: Response to "Cultural Differences Concerning Time".

 The video on cultural differences concerning time was very insightful. I personally did not know that the lack of responsibility in regards of time that so characterize Latin American people had a name, polychronic, and that their attitude towards time is the result of what they value the most, which obviously is not time or schedule, but their relationships.

Knowing this, makes me think of how these differences affect the dynamics of a TESOL classroom when both teachers and students have different cultural beliefs regarding time. I feel that if the teacher is a monochronic person, who gives more importance to class schedules, length of time of activities and classroom policies but has students who are polychronic, meaning that they care more about feelings and relationships, it might be difficult for both the teacher and the students to connect at a deeper level. Not knowing these differences concerning time, can also make it harder for teachers to understand why a student acts in a certain way and even harder to identify students' needs that could be met through the lessons.

I also think that this can hugely impact the way teachers provide feedback because being a monochronic person, the teacher can just go straight to the point not taking into consideration the student’s feelings. Whereas a student who is monochronic would perceive blunt feedback as hurtful. This can be observed during peer reviews, as well, where monochronic students might feel reluctant to point out mistakes in their classmates’ performances for fear to hurt their feelings.

It is part of human nature to judge from our point of view or based on our own knowledge of things and experience, which sometimes can blind us to the truth. I feel that being cultural aware of differences like this can help us have an open mind when planning and delivering lessons. So, for teachers who do not know much about other cultures, what will be the best way for them to acquire that knowledge?