Deck 6: Understanding Asian American Children and Adolescents

Question 1

Rather than assuming that Asian Americans are "problem free,"
outline the steps that can be taken to learn about the unique weaknesses and strengths of individual Asian Americans.

Answer 1

One important step to learn about the unique weaknesses and strengths of individual Asian Americans is to engage in open and honest communication. This means creating a safe and non-judgmental space for Asian Americans to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. It also involves actively listening and being receptive to their perspectives.

Another step is to educate oneself about the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of Asian Americans. This can be done through reading literature, attending cultural events, and seeking out resources from reputable sources. Understanding the nuances within the Asian American community can help in recognizing and appreciating their strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, it is crucial to recognize the intersectionality of identities within the Asian American community. This means understanding that individuals may have different experiences based on factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, and immigration status. Taking the time to learn about these intersecting identities can provide a more accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of individual Asian Americans.

Finally, it is important to approach each individual with empathy and understanding. Rather than making assumptions or generalizations, take the time to get to know each person on a personal level. This may involve asking thoughtful questions, being open to feedback, and being willing to unlearn any stereotypes or biases that may have been internalized.

By taking these steps, individuals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the unique strengths and weaknesses of Asian Americans, and ultimately work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Question 2

Understanding the Asian American family can be helpful to educators because of the major influence they play in a learner's identity and behavior. The European Americanculture's outlook on family can cause considerable conflict for Asian American youth. Contrast these two views. Discuss ways educators can deal with these perspectives in the classroom and with concerned parents.

Answer 2

The Asian American family and the European American family have different cultural outlooks when it comes to family dynamics. In Asian American families, there tends to be a strong emphasis on collectivism, respect for authority, and interdependence. Children are often expected to prioritize the needs of the family and show deference to their elders. In contrast, European American families often emphasize individualism, independence, and self-expression. Children are encouraged to assert their own opinions and make decisions for themselves.

These contrasting views can cause significant conflict for Asian American youth, especially in a school setting where individualism and self-expression are often valued. Asian American students may struggle to reconcile their family's values with the expectations of their teachers and peers, leading to feelings of cultural alienation and confusion.

Educators can help address these perspectives in the classroom by incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum and creating a culturally responsive learning environment. This can include highlighting the contributions of Asian American individuals and families, discussing the cultural differences in family dynamics, and promoting empathy and understanding among students. Educators can also work with concerned parents by fostering open communication and collaboration. This can involve organizing parent-teacher meetings to discuss cultural differences, providing resources and support for parents to understand their children's experiences, and involving families in school events and activities.

Overall, understanding the cultural differences in family dynamics between Asian American and European American families is crucial for educators to support the identity and behavior of their Asian American students. By acknowledging and addressing these perspectives, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Question 3

What challenges do female Asian Americans face when entering the European American culture? How can educators help ease the frustration and enhance self-esteem for these females?

Answer 3

Female Asian Americans may face a multitude of challenges when entering European American culture. These challenges can include cultural differences, language barriers, discrimination, and stereotypes. When female Asian Americans enter a culture that may not fully understand or appreciate their background, they may feel isolated, misunderstood, or even marginalized.

Educators can help ease the frustration and enhance self-esteem for these females by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the classroom. This can be achieved by incorporating diverse perspectives in the curriculum, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing opportunities for students to share their experiences and traditions. Educators can also foster open and honest discussions about prejudice and discrimination, and provide resources and support for students who may be facing challenges in their new environment.

Additionally, educators can serve as mentors and allies for female Asian American students, offering encouragement, guidance, and a safe space for them to express themselves. By promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and acceptance, educators can help empower these students to navigate and thrive in a new cultural setting, ultimately enhancing their self-esteem and sense of belonging.

Question 4

Briefly describe some of the historical events that have lead to the broad range of Asian Americans that are now part of our education system. How might these events contribute to different cultural perspectives within the Asian American community?

Question 5

Describe what you know about religious and philosophical orientations of various Asian American groups. How might these world views and values be challenged when Asian American students encounter situations dominated by European American perspectives?

Question 6

According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Asian American people are:

A) slowly decreasing in population
B) making their homes mostly in the East
C) mainly consisting of an older population
D) all of the above
E) none of the above

Question 7

Asian American parents:

A) create "free-time" rewards in order for their children to play educational video games
B) are insistent about getting involved in the details of their children's academic activities
C) organize their children's lives to facilitate the process of academic success
D) consistently help their children with homework
E) all of the above

Question 8

Some recommendations for educators of Asian American children and adolescents are:

A) help parents develop an understanding of commonly accepted gender roles in the U.S.
B) give clear directions to learners
C) revise curriculum to reflect more positive images of Asian people
D) provide peer tutoring
E) all of the above

Question 9

Although Asian American youth are perceived as studious and quite successful educationally, educators should be aware of these stereotypes and especially of the Asian Americans' difficulty with:

A) language
B) religion
C) heritage
D) traditions
E) c and d

Question 10

The following are examples of conflicts between Asian and European American contemplations and dispositions about schools and teachers:

A) Teachers are more respected and valued in the U.S. as compared to Asia.
B) There is more casualness between teachers, students, and parents in the U.S. than in Asia.
C) More structure and orderliness are anticipated by Asians than European Americans.
D) all of the above
E) b and c only

Question 11

Which of the following characterize Asian Americans?

A) soft, well-modulated voices
B) inherently academically gifted
C) modest in dress, manner, and behavior
D) all of the above
E) a and c only

Question 12

The language skills of Asian Americans can be elevated by:

A) involving the school's language specialist
B) cooperative teaching and learning experiences
C) not focusing on the problem, as it will gradually dissipate
D) all of the above
E) a and b only

Question 13

Certain practices should be avoided which hinder the educational advancement and psychosocial growth of Asian Americans. These include:

A) supplying predominately verbal teaching and learning practices
B) relying on Asian Americans to take part in class discussions and sharing times
C) writing one's name on the blackboard for inappropriate behavior
D) all of the above
E) a and b only

Question 14

Self-esteem and cultural worth for Asian Americans can be addressed by educators in the following ways:

A) valuing the Asian culture
B) congratulating Asian Americans for being model learners
C) discussing concerns/needs with Asian Americans learners and their families
D) all of the above
E) a and c only

Question 15

Asian Americans often strive toward achievements focusing on________, while European Americans tend to anticipate_______.

A) individual praise; family support
B) family pride; individual praise
C) Confucian idealism; power
D) educational gain; economic successes
E) communication; challenges

Question 16

The greatest proportion of Asian Americans are Japanese.

Question 17

It is appropriate to call Southeast Asian children "Vietnamese."

Question 18

Because Asian Americans have contributed significantly and produced outstanding occupational, economic, and educational attainments, they are frequently referred to as the "model minority."

Question 19

Children growing up in a multicultural setting can become confused as their identities form because of the conflict and expectations of the different cultures.

Question 20

Asian females are generally treated the same in their culture as males and should be considered equal when developing educational programs involving both gender groups.

Question 21

The main basis for the tremendous educational success of Asian Americans is their natural intelligence.

Question 22

It is important that educators encourage Asian American families to speak only English in the house in order to improve the learners' language skills.

Question 23

Even though the predominant language may be English, Asian American learners often communicate in a second language.

Question 24

Asian American females tend to experience lower self-concept because of gender and culture.

Question 25

If an Asian American has high self-esteem, then most likely he or she will have a positive and close relationship with his/her family.