Understanding Cultural Differences

Ms. Roll

Spanish 1

I.S. 126Q

froll@schools.nyc.gov

THE INTRODUCTION:

Going to live and study in another country can be a great and enriching experience, however, adapting to a culture that is new and different from what we are used to can present some real challenges.  Students who plan to study abroad in Mexico can benefit from viewing research based power point presentations that illustrate some of the cultural differences they may encounter.

THE TASK:

Create Power Point presentations based on your research to prepare someone who plans to study abroad for some of the challenges and cultural differences that he or she might face while living in Mexico.

THE PROCESS/RESOURCES:

Your Power Point Presentation will identify and discuss cultural differences which may include information about the public school system, regulations and environment, traditional customs and celebrations, vocabulary and expression of the regional dialects, local cuisine and icons of traditional and popular culture.

Use the six steps of the PPA to help organize your PowerPoint.

1.Define the Problem

2.Gather the Evidence

3.Identify the Causes

4.Evaluate an Existing Policy

5.Develop Solutions

6.Select the Best Solution (Feasibility vs. Effectiveness)

· Worksheet 1

· Worksheet 2

· Worksheet 3

· Worksheet 4

· Worksheet 5

· Worksheet 6

RESOURCES: Use these useful websites for your project

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Mexico

http://www.tulane.edu/~rouxbee/kids00/mexico3.html

http://www.visitmexico.com/

http://www.livescience.com/38647-mexican-culture.html

http://www.veintemundos.com/en/spanish/mexico/

http://www.inside-mexico.com/culturetraditions/traditions.htm

EVALUATION: RUBRIC

PowerPoint Rubric
Grading Component	Excellent (6)	Good (3)	Needs Improvement (1)
Information	Included information that is accurate and precise. Logical sequence is followed throughout Presentation.	Few errors in presented information. Sequence has gaps.	Many errors are presented information. Sequence does not flow throughout Presentation.
Background/Text	Background allows text to be easily read. Color scheme and text style compliments each other.	Background and/or text makes slide difficult to read. Color scheme and text style detract from Presentation.	Slides are too difficult to read due to background color or text style.
Graphics/ Slide Transitions	Graphics and slide transition are appropriate. Time is not wasted waiting for slides or graphics to occur.	Slide transition and graphics detract from Presentation and make Presentation hard to follow.	Slide transition is nonexistent and graphics make slides difficult to read and follow.
Spelling/Grammar	Spelling and grammar are flawless. Sentence structure flows throughout Presentation.	Spelling and grammar have errors. Sentence structure has holes in the flow of the Presentation.	A lot of spelling and grammatical errors. Sentences do not flow making Presentation choppy and hard to follow.
Bibliography	Bibliography is included with appropriate format.	Partial bibliography is included or incorrect format being used.	No bibliography is included.

CONCLUSION:

After researching, creating, presenting and viewing these presentations students should have a good understanding of many cultural differences that someone spending a semester abroad in Mexico is likely to encounter and hopefully help them prepare for a smooth transition into the Mexican way of life.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE STANDARDS:

 Standard 1:  Students will be able to use a language other than English for communication.

Standard   2:  Students will develop cross-cultural skills and understandings.