The intent of the framework presented here is to provide a scheme for thinking about cultural differences as they relate to what goes on in the English as a Second Language (ESL) class. The categories are: (1) cultural values; (2) views of teacher-role; (3) modes of learning; (4) teacher-student interaction patterns, and (5) norms of interaction (communicative competence rules). Each category compares the particular value or behavior in the general culture with the corresponding value in the classroom. The discussion of each category and sub-category explores differences in attitude between the foreign student and American students, or between other cultural backgrounds and the dominant American cultural pattern. The framework provides a guideline in the process of exploring cultural differences as they apply to teaching methods and classroom practices. (AMH)