User:Joanie22

Hispanic Background: Hispanics make up 12.5% of the United States population. It is said that by the year 2011 they will make up 1/3 of the population. Hispanics range from Mexico, Cuba Puerto Rico, Central and South America. Latinos as a group share language and the Catholic religion. They base culture on the importance of family, interdependence and cooperation, the worth of the individual, spiritual life and acceptance of life. The families are viewed and judged as a whole and not on one individual and to honor your family is extremely important. The family structure is very traditional. Males and elderly are the most respected and the children are to be obedient and help raise the younger siblings. Authority and undermining is looked down upon in their culture. They have great beliefs in spirits, omens and visions. They are a very charitable culture, which ties into their strong family and religious beliefs.

Aurora Cedillo:

Biography: Cedillo is a bilingual elementary resource teacher in Oregon. Her students range from the kindergarten age to adults. She is majored in elementary teaching and minored in Spanish. She currently works for a doctoral program at Oregon State University, where she also attended, and teaches in-service and training workshops. Originally from Texas, she migrated with her parents and 18 siblings, to Oregon to harvest crops when she was a pre-teen. She is the first surviving female and fourth surviving of her remaining ten siblings. Aurora speaks on her life, “I am a single mother and grandmother who loves to dance, sing and tell cultural family stories. I have written books about my family, my beliefs, and my experiences. In my work I share my culture and my perspectives on how ones’ culture impacts educational experience as a learner and a teacher.”

Cedillo's Ethnic Background: Her father is of Spanish ethnicity and her mother is French. Aurora refers to her heritage as Chicana, or Mexican American. This is mostly due to the cultural background she was raised in. Her main belief is in destiny and the will of God. She believes that these two things have helped her learn from and teach others about her culture.

Characteristics of Latinos According to Cedillo: It has many meaning to different people. To Cedillo it used to mean being an American born, first generation Mexican Americans. The experience of her cultures past of oppression and rejection and their brightening future is now what she believes defines Latinos. Their beliefs in destiny and “Si Dios Quiere.” (God willing) is a drive in Hispanics lives. To them destiny is a being, not a plan. This is a factor in the importance of families. The belief is that they are born into that family for a reason. It is the base point of their lives. There is more than just the immediate family. They have their community, which they share everything essential to their cultural life. They are “one” in everything they do.

Defining Names: The preferred name to call a Latino is Hispanic. Although many other names such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Guatemalans are also acceptable. A derogatory term for those Mexican American born is Pochos. It means incomplete or lacking Mexican culture. Many Mexicans think that the Hispanics in America disrespect the culture and language, whilst disrespecting the English language by not learning both properly. This term should not be used lightly.

Historical Events: The teachers should include the Mexican Americans culture also. They should teach about the farm workers and migrants. They should include Caesar Chavez, Mexico’s Independence Day, and Cinco de Mayo in their curriculum. It is important that teachers teach the history of all their students. And to share the stories of every background, no matter the language.

Schools and Family: A saying within the culture is “It takes a migrant camp or a barrio to grow a child.” All of the community takes a part in the children’s upbringing. They trust their teachers like they trust God. They give them respect unless proven not to. The parents feel intrusive when they ask questions about the classroom. Often those who do not speak English have their children translate for them. Many schools find it difficult to deal with this problem and the clash of cultures takes a force on the child’s’ education.

Subpopulations: The indigenous Indian who intermixed with Latinos is often left behind due to little knowledge on their background. The second population would be the first-and-second generation Latinos. They know two languages, backgrounds, and worlds. They are often caught in between the two cultures and cannot excel in either. With this they are at risk to become disconnected with both of their backgrounds and lose touch of their cultural foundation.

Controversy Amongst Educators: It is hard for teachers to have a bilingual curriculum because English is what society says the only language to be taught. Many wish to teach both languages, especially in early years when language development is so crucial. Many have seen this to be a great controversy and it has taken a toll on students and teachers who wish for multiple languages to be taught.

Socioeconomic Issues: Social class is a huge role in population. If you have money you associate with those who also have money. The same goes for the poor, only they have to deal with making less of an impact on the society.

Cultural Styles: The Anglo culture tends to focus on the “I.” And the majority of teachers today use that state of mind. When it comes to the Latino, and many other, culture they think of “we.” They include their communities when thinking of a task when Anglos focus on personal failure or success. Time is another difference factor. Latinos lean more on relationships rather than time. Teachers need to take into mind these differences and even differences of vocabulary when working with Latino students.

Common School Problems: The most common problem according to Cedillo, is not of the students but of the teachers. It is how the teachers want the students to be like them so they understand the student. The differences in all cultures make that impossible. The cultures habits such as possession and eye contact can become a major obstacle for a teacher. The majority of these things Aurora Cedillo’s says, “..are not problems, only challenges to overcome.”

Learning Styles: According to Cedillo, the most effective way to teach is by creating tasks and letting the students help. It is most helpful to students and teachers when student leaders can speak both languages or are proficient in one language so that others can learn though experience. Involve all the senses with your learning and your students will excel. To encourage the student to learn more so, include the family and family’s community when you are dealing with Latino student. They know their children the most so they will help you better understand them too.

References: Diller, Jerry V. Moule, Jean. Cultural Competence: A Primer for Educators.