Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Essay

II. The Classroom Context: Best Practices for Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

Culturally relevant pedagogy uses inclusive practices to meet the needs of all learners. These methods include teaching that integrates students’ backgrounds and experiences into the curriculum and learning experience. In doing so, teachers using culturally responsive pedagogy must: (1) hold high expectations and affirming views of all learners; (2) provide room for all students’ to make meaningful connection to learning content; and (3) create a safe and positive classroom climate fostering respect and care for students. As we review certain approaches of implementing best practices to meet the needs of RCELD students, we must also remember that it takes long-term commitment to inclusive practices in education in order to address the inequitable structures that contribute to issues such as the achievement gap.

Knowing the Learner and Holding High

As Powell asserts, “a culturally responsive classroom climate is safe…characterized by respect and care. Teachers establish trusting relationships that allow students to take risks.” In addition, Richard claims, “When students are subjected to unfair discrimination…the result can be low achievement.” Therefore, a central task of teachers is to create a classroom environment in which all students feel fairly treated as respected.

Altogether, culturally relevant pedagogy is an approach of utilizing inclusive teaching practices in order to meet the needs of all learners. However, implementing such practices into teaching can be challenging for teachers, especially for beginner teachers. Therefore, the last section of this report will highlight challenges and the effectiveness in using culturally responsive teaching