What do we know about Culturally Relevant Instruction ?

1. What do we know about Culturally Relevant Instruction ?

2. Search for information… • UNCG Library Search: Ebsco and Eric • Past course readings: Curriculum Theory & Foundations of Curriculum • Personal Bookshelves

3. The Research

5. Pedagogical Framework for Culturally Relevant Teaching: “…a theoretical framework that attempts to integrate the culture of different racial and ethnic groups into the overall academic program.” (EMSTC.org)

6. Engaging Believing that all children can learn. Creating a positive environment for learning Involves respecting students’ cultural differences Caring Empowering Challenging the status quo Encourages academic success without sacrificing cultural integrity. Student centered Embraces student differences as teaching opportunities Interactive Collaborative Establishes community Reflective The Framework for Culturally Relevant Instruction should be:

7. How do we incorporate culturally relevant instruction? • Provide counter-narratives that challenge the dominant culture • Communicate high expectations for all students • Use active teaching methods • Utilize Contemporary Recourses (pop culture, media, music) • Have positive role models from all cultures • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity • Reshape the curriculum to include culturally relevant material • Provide culturally mediated instruction • Promote student-controlled classroom discourse • Facilitate cooperative learning

8. Demonstration of Culturally Relevant Instruction Music can be used for a variety of integrated lessons. For example; a poetry lesson. Listen to the song while reading the text to I Can by Nas I can video.

9. Discussion Questions • What word or theme comes to mind? In small groups discuss: • What is the message? • Why is this important? • How does this song make you feel? • What connections can you make to your own life or past experiences? • How can you apply this to your position or setting?

10. Debrief • What did we do? How did you relate to the text? • Share group thoughts. • In what ways did you relate to one another? • What did you think or feel during the activity? • Why do you think we chose this activity? • How can you apply this to your profession?

11. Competency Goal 1: The learner will react to and reflect upon print and non-print text and personal experiences by examining situations from both subjective and objective perspectives.

13. Teachers and Culturally Relevant Instruction: • The Faces of Educators • Self Cultural Awareness • Importance of Classroom/School Environment • Making Connections • Learn and Teach • Professional Development • Support for Teachers/PLC’s

14. Shared Responsibility Collaborative not competitive Students enhance critical thinking skills All students experience academic success Students develop a critical consciousness Representative of all students Challenging More engaged learning Students can identify with the curriculum Students actively involved with their learning Benefits of Culturally Relevant Instruction

15. Questions… • Why do we think students don’t need culturally relevant instruction before college? Wouldn’t that create a more diverse college pool? • How do we require teachers to modify their instruction to be “culturally relevant” given time constraints and added paperwork that comes from the Federal government?