Culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) is an educational approach that recognizes and values the diverse cultural backgrounds of students, integrating their cultural experiences into the learning process. By challenging the status quo in education, CRP can significantly enhance academic achievement among students from different cultures, particularly immigrant students whose cultural values may be overlooked by traditional higher education systems. This pedagogical approach fosters an inclusive learning environment where students feel seen, respected, and empowered to share their unique perspectives, ultimately promoting better engagement and academic success.

One of the primary ways CRP addresses the status quo is by validating the cultural identities of students. Many higher education systems operate under a one-size-fits-all model, often prioritizing dominant cultural narratives and disregarding the rich cultural heritage of immigrant students. Culturally responsive pedagogy encourages educators to incorporate diverse cultural references and perspectives into the curriculum, allowing students to see themselves represented in the material they study. This validation not only boosts students' self-esteem but also enhances their motivation to engage with academic content, fostering a sense of belonging that is essential for success in higher education.

Moreover, CRP promotes the development of meaningful relationships between educators and students. Understanding students' cultural backgrounds and experiences enables educators to create more supportive and responsive learning environments. When teachers are aware of the cultural nuances that influence students’ learning styles, communication preferences, and values, they can tailor their instructional strategies accordingly. This personalized approach helps to bridge the gap between students' home cultures and the academic expectations of higher education, ultimately enhancing their ability to succeed academically.

Culturally responsive pedagogy also emphasizes the importance of collaborative learning and community engagement. By encouraging group work and discussions that draw on students' diverse cultural experiences, CRP fosters a collaborative spirit that can enhance learning outcomes. Immigrant students often bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills shaped by their cultural backgrounds, which can enrich classroom discussions and contribute to a more dynamic learning environment. This collaborative approach not only promotes academic achievement but also prepares students for success in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

However, implementing culturally responsive pedagogy is not without challenges. Educators must be willing to critically examine their own biases and assumptions, as well as the systemic barriers that may exist within higher education institutions. Professional development and training in CRP are essential to equip educators with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support students from diverse backgrounds. By committing to continuous learning and reflection, educators can create an environment where all students feel valued and capable of achieving their academic goals.

In my final analysis, culturally responsive pedagogy serves as a powerful tool to challenge the status quo in higher education and foster academic achievement among students from different cultures, particularly immigrant students. By validating cultural identities, building meaningful relationships, promoting collaborative learning, and critically examining systemic barriers, CRP can create an inclusive and supportive educational environment. As institutions strive to improve academic outcomes for all students, embracing culturally responsive practices is essential for cultivating a more equitable and just education system.

I appreciate your response, Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, as you developed the phenomenon of cultural differences. However, one of the challenges that research has shown is that teachers often lack knowledge about student culture (Kumi-Yeboah (2021). Consequently, building relations between faculty and students with cultural differences is challenging when the faculty is unfamiliar with students' culture. Thus, Immigrants are one of the student groups that may be impacted more by not having a learning approach emphasizing inclusivity.

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This article responded to how culturally responsive pedagogy and reality pedagogy can help to foster academic achievement.

António José Rodrigues Rebelo, from my point of view and other scholars, culturally relevant pedagogy is the opposite of one-size-fits-all. Both teachers and learners are part of the learning process. Paulo Freire rejected the banking system because the teacher gave information to students. However, the teachers need to know the learners' needs in order to design a collaborative approach to teaching. There is room for learners to be involved in the content of the pedagogy paradigm. Indeed, learners are subjects.

In the educational context, international or immigrant students face hurdles based on the isolation of their home culture. Thus, in the transnational context, those students endure stress, anxiety, and trauma, which may impact their psychological well-being. Culturally responsive pedagogy is the answer to being in alignment with globalization.