CULTURES - HMONG

Classroom Implications for Teaching Hmong Students

The Following strategies for working with Hmong students are the work of Dr. Christopher Thao Vang, assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education at California State University Stanislaus.

What Teachers Can Do To Help Hmong Students

1. Teachers should encourage Hmong students to ask questions in class or allow them the opportunity to have an individual conference with the teacher after class to go over the schoolwork.
2. Teachers should check for understanding and allow wait-time for questions and clarification prior to testing. Academic-engaged time is extremely important for learning.
3. Teachers should blend Hmong students with other students to help them acquire English skills and should also use cooperative learning strategy to help them excel academically.
4. Teachers may coach Hmong students with praises, explaining that mistakes and failures are part of a learning process.
5. Teachers should pay close attention to students' reading comprehension and writing skills when assessing them, avoiding perceived ability.
6. Teachers should try to hook Hmong students up with academic resources on site to assist them in coping with academic barriers and personal stress as early as possible.
7. Teachers should mentor Hmong students, guiding them through the critical period of their education. Teachers should also try and get parents and friends involved as much as possible.
8. Teachers should provide a window of opportunity for working with struggling Hmong students and should use instructional approaches that accommodate different learning and thinking styles to meet all their students' needs.
9. Teachers should be aware that Hmong students may be a bit slower in responding to a question or trying to make a point and should encourage them to speak up and share their perspectives in class.
10. Teachers should pay close attention to at-risk Hmong students or low achievers and should reach out to silent students and those who sit in the back of the class.