The article written by Courtney Cazden (2010) is aimed at examining the communication patterns within the classroom. In particular, the researcher focuses on the way in which a teacher can organize the discussions involving students. One can say that this text is helpful for understanding the cultural aspects of classroom communication. In particular, the author notes that the children, who represent some cultural groups, may be less willing to talk in front of other students (Cazden, 2010, p. 68).
Additionally, they can be more reluctant to answer the questions which prompt them to make argument and substantiate them. This argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about learners who grew up in Native American reservations. Apart from that, Courney Cazden shows how an educator can engage these learners and encourage them to be active (Cazden, 2010, p. 70). These are some of the main aspects that can be identified.
It seems that these issues should be considered by the teachers and students because in many cases, the differences in communication patterns can significantly impair the communications between a teacher and learners. For instance, he/she can come to the conclusion that students cannot cope with the tasks that are assigned to them. This is one of the pitfalls that should be avoided by educators who need to work in an unfamiliar cultural environment. Moreover, Courtney Cazden (2010) is quite right in pointing out that educators have to know more about the background of students in order to interact with them effectively. In other words, one should first pay attention to the context that is familiar to learners (Cazden, 2010, p. 70). These suggestions can be of great use to teachers.
It is possible to raise several questions regarding the reading. For instance, one can ask how a teacher should act in the classroom which includes students with very different cultural backgrounds. In other words, it is necessary to determine the most optimal strategy that he/she can adopt. This is one of issues that require in-depth research. Apart from that, it is vital to understand how to study the verbal behavior of students in the classroom. Courtney Cazden (2010) provides examples of anthropological studies, but they cannot always give accurate results. This is one of the limitations that should be considered by the readers. Therefore, it is vital to develop a set of techniques that can be used to examine the classroom discourse in different cultural environments. This is one of the main tasks that should be done.
Additionally, Courtney Cazden (2010) argues that teachers should give up their “nostalgia” toward their own cultural norms and communication styles (p. 77). However, the author does not show how this goal can be achieved. The main problem is that a person inevitable relies on the communication patterns which are most familiar to him/her. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a set of exercises that help educators cope with this adjustment. This question should be more closely examined.
On the whole, this article can be of great interest to students since it throws light on some of the main challenges that they can face. Certainly, this text cannot be used as a set of instructions that always be used. However, this reading can pose many thought-provoking questions to the reader. This is one of the main arguments that can be put forward.
Reference List
Cazden, C. (2010). Variations in Lesson Structure. In C. Cazden (Ed.), Classroom Discourse: The Language of Teaching and Learning (pp. 51-77). New York, NY: Heinemann.