6.
The Classroom Mosaic -
Culture and Learning |
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“Learning is essentially
cultural, that is, we live in a culture – it comprises
our experience. We use that whenever we learn something new.
So teachers need to know how to understand the cultural context
and experiences their students bring to the classrooms. They
also need to help students find themselves in the school curriculum
– to feel like they belong and are connected to school.
Culture and learning go hand in hand if we really want to ensure
each student’s success.”
Linda Darling-Hammond |
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Key Questions:
- What role does culture play in learning?
- How can teachers develop culturally responsive practices?
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Learning Objectives:
- Multicultural education – Teachers
will become familiar with some of the causes of inequality
in education, as well as the sources of diversity in classrooms.
They will understand the importance of multicultural education
and the different forms multicultural education can take
in schools.
- Culturally responsive teaching
– Teachers will reflect on and consider the relationship
between culture and learning. Teachers will understand that
culturally responsive teaching involves a genuine respect
for students and belief in their potential as learners.
Teachers will understand the importance of connecting to
students' experiences and will explore how to create culturally
responsive, caring environments.
- Congruity between home and school
– Teachers will consider the impact of school culture
and home culture on students' learning. They will evaluate
how to make the classroom a place where students feel comfortable,
see themselves represented, and engage with curriculum materials
that reflect their home cultures.
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Video
Program
This episode discusses how culturally
responsive teaching enables students to create connections,
access prior knowledge and experience, and develop competence.
Kathleen Hayes-Parvin, sixth grade teacher at Birney
Middle School, Southfield, Michigan, and 9th grade teachers
William Dean and Jeff Gilbert at East Palo Alto High
School, Menlo Park, California, are featured. University
of Wisconsin professor Gloria Ladson-Billings and University
of Arizona professor Luis Moll provide expert commentary.
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Key Terms - New in this
Session
content
integration
culturally
responsive teaching
empowering
school culture
equity
pedagogy
knowledge
construction
prejudice
reduction
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Go to related support materials.
Next Session: 7.
Learning From Others - Learning in a Social Context
Previous Session: 5.
Feelings Count - Emotions and Learning
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