Feyza Ayachi

Hafsa

1. Especially in high power distance countries, we can conclude that the girl from the Middle East and the boy from Japan are more respectful toward authority—in this case, the teacher—and prefer to follow rules rather than challenge them. They feel more comfortable in such structured environments. On the other hand, in low power distance countries like the U.S.A. and Germany, students are more comfortable expressing their opinions and perceive themselves as being on a more equal hierarchical level with their teachers. In the context of "face-saving," students from high power distance cultures tend to avoid embarrassing themselves and strive to protect their dignity in the classroom by adhering to societal norms.

2. If she had not asked the students about the reason for their silence in the classroom, she might have thought that they were not paying attention or were simply uninterested in the lesson.

3. There can be several different approaches to help students feel more comfortable expressing their opinions and participating in classroom settings. In addition to verbal communication, alternative options such as written reflections, audio recordings, video submissions, or sharing opinions during class time can be offered. This allows each student to choose the method that suits them best and encourages broader participation. Furthermore, the teacher can explicitly clarify her perspective on classroom participation—emphasizing that she values student input and does not see it as a challenge to her authority, contrary to what some students might assume. She can also reassure students that participation is not about being right or wrong, but about sharing ideas and perspectives. This can create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to engage.

4. Since not all students are the same and may feel uncomfortable in different situations, teachers should offer various ways for them to participate in class. For example, teachers can give students the option to share their opinions through different formats—such as video, audio recordings, written reflections, or direct classroom discussions using explicit communication. By creating a flexible and inclusive environment, teachers can help all students feel more involved and valued in the classroom.

5. There can also be a variety of assessment techniques. Peer assessments, traditional written exams, and game-based assessments like Kahoot are all good examples. As mentioned before, not all students feel comfortable with verbal communication and may prefer alternative ways to express their understanding. Using diverse assessment methods allows every student to demonstrate their knowledge in a way that suits them best.