Alwielland Q. Bello Good research question, Dr. Bello! Perhaps you can delineate your perspective on this culturally sensitive/competency paradigm in multicultural pedagogy especially in higher education in the Philippines. Good example of a culturally responsive teaching/learning across disciplines (Pre-K to Professional) is the use of our National Language "Tagalog" as the national medium of instruction in education which was mandated by the then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. in the early sixties. May he rest in peace.
Culturally responsive science teaching involves incorporating diverse cultural perspectives, experiences, and examples into science education. It aims to make science more relevant and accessible to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, encouraging inclusivity and engagement. This approach recognizes and values students' cultural diversity, connecting scientific concepts to their life experiences and cultural contexts. For example, 'Kolintang Hand' is a learning approach based on culture in Indonesia which teaches that musical tones can be differentiated visually and their movements can be calculated so that people who do not have a feeling of music (art) can learn through science.
ilmiy-metodik ishlar sohasida – o‘quv jarayonining ilmiy-metodik asoslarini ishlab chiqish, o‘quv-uslubiy materiallar bilan taʼminlash, ushbu sohadagi xorijiy tajribani o‘rgangan holda professor-o‘qituvchilarning mehnat unumdorligi va taʼlim sifati hamda samaradorligini oshirishga xizmat qiladigan zamonaviy taʼlim texnologiyalarini joriy qilish;
Culturally responsive science teaching fosters the integration of students' cultural background into the educational process. When valuing and introducing diverse cultural elements and identities of students CRST aims to organise inclusive educational environment.
Culturally responsive science teaching is providing the opportunity for every student to learn with others through sharing the uniqueness of each one’s cultural background, and that this uniqueness and own beauty be known, so that awareness and appreciation be inculcated in each and everyone.This is also giving one the opportunity to represent to class one’s custom and tradition, so that awareness and reflection will be able to bring forth respect and understanding of one person as who he is and what he has, and also of that community that he represents.
Culturally responsive science teaching is an exchange of thoughts, information while at the same time touching on the intellectual, social, aesthetic, and other core values that an educational institution aims to impart to each and every student.
Culturally responsive science teaching refers to an approach in science education that recognizes and values the diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of students. The goal is to make science education more inclusive, relevant, and accessible to learners from various cultural backgrounds. This approach aims to bridge the gap between the culture of the students and the content of science instruction, creating a more meaningful and engaging learning experience.
Key elements of culturally responsive science teaching include:
Incorporating Cultural Relevance: Integrating examples, case studies, and scientific concepts that are relevant to the cultural backgrounds and everyday experiences of the students. This helps students see the connections between science and their own lives.
Building on Prior Knowledge: Acknowledging and building upon students' prior knowledge, which may be influenced by their cultural experiences. This approach helps create a smoother transition between students' existing understanding and new scientific concepts.
Promoting Inclusive Pedagogies: Using teaching strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences. This may involve incorporating collaborative activities, hands-on experiments, and multimedia resources to engage students with different learning strengths.
Fostering Cultural Respect: Encouraging an environment where students respect and appreciate each other's diverse backgrounds. This includes recognizing the contributions of scientists from various cultures and promoting a positive classroom culture that values diversity.
Connecting Science to Real-World Issues: Emphasizing the societal and global relevance of scientific concepts by exploring real-world issues that affect different communities. This approach helps students see the impact of science on their communities and the world at large.
Using Multilingual Resources: Recognizing and accommodating linguistic diversity by providing resources in multiple languages when possible. This helps students who may have different language backgrounds feel more included in the learning process.
Culturally responsive science teaching aims to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students, regardless of their cultural backgrounds, feel valued and engaged in the study of science. This approach contributes to greater equity in science education and helps address the underrepresentation of certain groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
Culturally responsive science teaching is an instructional approach that acknowledges and incorporates students' diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives into the science learning environment. The goal is to make science education more inclusive, equitable, and relevant to all students, regardless of their cultural identities. This approach recognizes that students come to the classroom with varied cultural knowledge, ways of thinking, and unique experiences that can enhance their understanding of scientific concepts.
Key principles of culturally responsive science teaching include:
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity:Teachers are aware of and respect the cultural backgrounds of their students. They recognize and appreciate the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the classroom.
Incorporating Culturally Relevant Examples:Science content is presented using examples and contexts that are relevant to students' cultural backgrounds. Connections are made between scientific concepts and real-world situations that are familiar and meaningful to students.
Including Diverse Perspectives:Teachers incorporate diverse perspectives, contributions, and achievements of scientists from various cultural backgrounds into the science curriculum. The curriculum reflects a broad range of cultural voices and perspectives in the scientific community.
Engaging Students' Prior Knowledge:Teachers build on students' prior knowledge and experiences, connecting new scientific concepts to what students already know. Prioritizing students' existing knowledge helps bridge the gap between their cultural backgrounds and the science curriculum.
Interactive and Collaborative Learning:Learning activities promote collaboration and interaction among students with diverse backgrounds. Group work and collaborative projects allow students to share their perspectives, learn from each other, and appreciate the diversity of thought within the classroom.
Fostering a Positive Classroom Culture:The classroom environment is inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of all cultural backgrounds. Teachers actively address biases, stereotypes, and cultural misconceptions to create a positive and affirming atmosphere.
Connecting Science to Societal Issues:Science concepts are explored in the context of societal and environmental issues that are relevant to students' lives. Emphasis is placed on understanding the societal implications of scientific advancements and their impact on diverse communities.
Flexibility in Teaching Methods:Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and assessment strategies that accommodate different learning styles and preferences. Flexibility allows for differentiation to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom.
Culturally responsive science teaching aims to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students from all cultural backgrounds feel valued, engaged, and empowered in their science education. This approach contributes to greater equity in science education and addresses the underrepresentation of certain groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
Culturally responsive science teaching is an educational approach that recognizes and values the diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of students in the context of science education. This teaching methodology aims to make science more accessible, meaningful, and relevant to students from various cultural backgrounds. The goal is to create an inclusive learning environment that acknowledges and respects the diversity of students and promotes equitable opportunities for all.
Key principles and strategies of culturally responsive science teaching include:
Cultural Awareness:Teachers cultivate an awareness of their own cultural biases and actively seek to understand the cultural backgrounds of their students. Understanding the cultural diversity within the classroom is a foundational step in creating a culturally responsive learning environment.
Inclusive Curriculum:Incorporating diverse perspectives, examples, and contributions from various cultures in science curricula. Choosing content and materials that reflect the cultural diversity of scientific achievements and discoveries.
Connecting Science to Students' Lives:Making explicit connections between scientific concepts and the everyday lives, experiences, and interests of students. Relating scientific phenomena to local contexts and cultural practices to enhance relevance.
Culturally Relevant Teaching Materials:Using teaching materials, textbooks, and resources that represent a variety of cultural perspectives. Ensuring that visuals, illustrations, and examples used in science instruction are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Respecting and Validating Prior Knowledge:Acknowledging and respecting the diverse prior knowledge that students bring to the classroom. Validating the cultural relevance of students' existing knowledge and experiences.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogies:Utilizing teaching strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles, communication preferences, and ways of thinking. Incorporating interactive and collaborative learning activities that allow students to share and learn from each other's diverse perspectives.
Community and Family Engagement:Involving parents, families, and community members in the educational process. Recognizing the importance of community knowledge and involving local experts to enhance the cultural relevance of science education.
Language Considerations:Being mindful of language differences and providing support for students who are English language learners. Incorporating multilingual resources and strategies to ensure understanding for all students.
Cultural Responsiveness in Assessment:Designing assessments that are culturally fair and unbiased. Recognizing diverse ways of demonstrating understanding and competence in science.
Culturally responsive science teaching aims to create a learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and included. By incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and making science relevant to students' lives, educators can enhance engagement, promote equity, and contribute to the success of a diverse range of learners in science education.
"Culturally responsive teaching is a research-based approach to teaching. It connects students’ cultures, languages, and life experiences with what they learn in school. These connections help students access rigorous curriculum and develop higher-level academic skills.
Our brains are wired to make connections. It’s easier for our brains to learn and store information when we have a hook to hang it on. That hook is background knowledge. Students bring this knowledge to the classroom every day.
But for students of color, English language learners (ELLs), and other underserved student populations, those assets are often overlooked. When that happens, educators miss the chance to use them to support learning.
Culturally responsive teaching values and reflects the assets of all students. By doing that, it raises academic expectations for all learners. It also sends the message that multiculturalism is an asset."