• How does the literature on culture and identity help you make sense of the differences that you encounter?
• Do you see yourself as part of a dominant or a minority group? How do others see you?
• What influences the way you see others? What do you think may influence the way others see you?
• Why do you react the way you do when encountering difference? How do you negotiate your identity with others?
• How do your values and beliefs influence how you respond to all these things?
• What does this reflection help you understand about your own cultures, values, beliefs and about your identity as an English teacher. Whatever you choose you must make sure that the following aspects are included and your assignment is coherent:
• Discuss how your own cultural and personal perspectives affect your interpretations of others
• Draw on relevant literature to contextualise your observations and help you interpret your own experiences
• Give examples to illustrate specific points you are making
What we don’t want is a simple comparison of things (in my country we do …. but in England they do…..) and nor do we want judgements (…this is better than…). That kind of discussion leads to stereotyping and over generalising.