Individuality in the Classroom
Across three different elementary school classrooms, the teaching styles and classroom structures indicated high value placed on individuality. Though wide variability existed in the specific activities employed in class, they each promoted individual achievement as opposed to community-based problem-solving. This theme reflects a general approach seen in typical Euro-American education (Chavajay, 2006). Based on our findings from our classroom observations, we suggest teachers implement more group work where not only intellectual, but also interpersonal skills may be developed. Not only would group-work practice valuable life skills, but would also allow students to interact with diverse perspectives in the classroom.