For the EDUC140 “Diversity in Education” Class that I teach, we have a week that covers Culturally Relevant Teaching (CRT). In the discussion below, I have the students watch two videos about what CRT is, and how we can implement it in the classroom with children. (This can also be very useful for adult learners!) This is one of my favorite topics that we cover, and always leads to amazing discussion amongst the students about their own culture and how it shapes the way they see the world. In the end, it is extremely beneficial in the way they work with the children and families in their care.

STEP 1

WATCH 2 videos

CULTURALLY RELEVANT/CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING

Introduction to culturally relevant pedagogy with Jacqueline Jordan Irvine of Emory University, Dr. Geneva Gay of the University of Washington, and Kris Gutierrez of the University of Colorado.

Introduction to Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Dr. Alicia Santiago, Science Advisor, and Latino Engagement Specialist, discusses how to implement Culturally relevant teaching in the classroom

Culturally Responsive Teaching 

STEP 2

RESPOND to the following prompts:

PART ONE

For this section, use the first video featuring Jacqueline Jordan Irvine, Dr. Geneva Gay, and Kris Gutierrez. 

1. What is Culturally Responsive Teaching? Why is it important in our work with children?

Answer this prompt in at least 4 (four) sentences. 

2. Are culture and race the same thing? Can two people from the same race have two different cultures? What does that mean for you as a teacher? Why is this important to think about?

Answer this prompt in at least 4 (four) sentences. 

PART TWO

For this section, use the second video featuring Dr. Alicia Santiago.

1. Think about the children in your learning space. Think about their backgrounds. (race, ethnicity, culture, language, abilities, class, gender, family structure) Answer each question below:

a.)  Are they similar or different from you?

b.) How might the children’s traditions/values/beliefs/perceptions/situations differ from yours?

c.) If you don’t know the answer to the above questions for one or more children, how can you find out?

Answer this question in at least 3 (three) sentences. 

2. Dr. Santiago lists 3 (three) ways we can become culturally responsive teachers. What are they? Give one example of each for yourself.

Answer this question in at least 3 (three) sentences.