Culturally Responsive Teaching: Strategies for Creating Inclusive Learning Experiences

Objective:

The objective of this professional learning activity is to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to create culturally responsive learning experiences that meet the needs of all students in the classroom.

Time for Completion: 2 hours

Photo by Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages

Introduction:

Culturally responsive teaching is an approach to education that recognizes the cultural strengths and differences of each student in the classroom. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes the academic and social-emotional growth of all students. In this professional learning activity, you will explore strategies and resources that will help you create culturally responsive learning experiences for your students.

Activity Steps:

Step 1: (15 minutes). Watch the TED Talk, "Every Kid Needs a Champion" by Rita Pierson and take notes on her key points.

Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion

Step 2: (30 minutes) Read the EdWeek article, "Culturally Responsive Teaching: An Interview with Zaretta Hammond" and reflect on the four parts of "wise feedback."

Link: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-culturally-responsive-teaching-an-interview-with-zaretta-hammond/2015/07

Step 3: (20 minutes) Explore the website, Learning for Justice, and choose one of the following activities to complete:

Option 1: Test Yourself for Hidden Bias

Link: https://www.learningforjustice.org/professional-development/test-yourself-for-hidden-bias

Option 2: Review Teaching Strategies

Link: https://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/teaching-strategies

Step 4: (15 minutes) Watch the video, "Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms" (approx. 15 minutes) and reflect on the strategies presented.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VixB5WBiLqE

Step 5: (30 minutes) Explore the National Council for Teachers of English's website, and choose one of the following activities to complete:

Option 1: Multicultural Literature

Link: https://ncte.org/blog/2015/02/multicultural-literature/

Option 2: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Link: https://ncte.org/blog/2016/02/culturally-relevant-pedagogy/

Reflection Prompt:

Think about how the strategies and resources presented in this activity can be implemented in your own classroom. What are some specific steps you can take to create a more culturally responsive learning environment for your students? How do you anticipate these changes will impact student learning and engagement?

Take a moment to reflect on your own cultural awareness and how it might influence your teaching practices. What are some areas where you feel confident, and what are some areas where you could improve? How can you continue to develop your own cultural competence as an educator? (10 minutes)

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