Lesson 5 10/12/17 TIME
The differences in how time is viewed throughout the world has a huge cultural impact. What is normal in one country or culture could be considered to be very rude in another.
This is something very important to understand when teaching a diverse classroom or dealing with people from other countries. Some students may consistently arrive late, which is frustrating as a teacher and can cause issues in the teacher-student relationship. However, the student has no idea that they are behaving poorly or causing any issues.
The world works in two major time systems: polychronic and monochronic. Monochronic is a system of deadlines and schedules and being on time; the polychronic system is just about the opposite. Polychronic time is a lot more laid back, go with the flow, and based of feelings and circumstances rather than a working system.
Understanding the differences between how people view time can help us to better understand one another. Realizing that time is viewed differently in different cultures helps us to understand why people act the way they do.
I remember constantly being frustrated while living in Bolivia because people always arrived late. It did not matter if it was a big activity at church or just a personal meeting in someone's home. We would make appointments with people and they would not be there, or be about to leave when we got there. The only time they were on time or waiting for us was when we happened to be running late. Or if we announced that we were having an activity at 7 pm, people would hear that we were having an activity at 9pm. By the time anyone showed up we would have to start heading home. But, as I spent more time there and got used to the culture, I could figure out what people meant, and how to make plans.
Understanding one another is extremely important. It is obvious when we are in other countries that things will be different. However, it is important to be aware of people visiting from other countries, or even different parts of the same country, and to be sensitive about their differences.
Your comment reminded me of a time I was on vacation in the Island of Hawaii. After having lived in Southern California for several years, the relaxed driving styled of the wonderful Hawaiian people was exasperating! I wanted to arrive fast to my very relaxing massage appointment! haha! There are so many ironies in that situation. The biggest is that I am from Mexico! I'm culturally polychromatic.
ReplyDeletenow that we are studying this use of time regarding of our culture differences one thing that I have heard long time ago now makes more sense than ever. it was when we start a program, on the first day of class we should explain the rules to the class, it was not dictatorial you even can agree upon the rules with the students , on how they want to go during the semester, and them you should stick to them, you may give them a choice to make but once it is done on the first day of class , all should go by those rules. otherwise things would not be fair if you use different rules to different students and your authority and respect in class would be gone.
ReplyDeleteThis is a point of view, anyone disagree ???