A teacher, Ms. Garcia, notices that several students from a particular cultural background do not make direct eye contact when she speaks to them. She initially perceives this as a lack of attention. What is the most culturally proficient first step for Ms. Garcia to take?
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A
Explicitly teach all students that direct eye contact is an expected sign of respect in the classroom.
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B
Contact the students' parents to discuss their children's inattentive behavior.
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C
Research the students' cultural norms regarding non-verbal communication and reflect on her own cultural assumptions.
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D
Ignore the behavior, assuming the students will eventually adapt to the classroom's cultural expectations.