The Diagnosis of Cultural Behaviors.

This competency-based teacher education component emphasizes a systematic process that starts with the identification of a behavior unique to a learner and that ends with the identification of the cultural factors that cause the behavior. A sample module, diagnosing cultural behaviors related to the concept of family, is presented with an outline of two enabling activities, dealing with authority and authority figures and with compliments and reprimands. Four basic steps are suggested to complete the module: (a) identify the behavior; (b) identify all possible sources of information, (c) select the means of gathering information, then complete the investigation; and (d) make a decision based on the information. Background information concerning the historical and intellectual presence of Mexican Americans is presented. (MJM)