Introduction
Culture is an integral part of the learning process. This is because the class comprises students with unique cultural characteristics, traditions, and worldviews. Consequently, teachers should have a clear understanding of these unique features of students and create the necessary conditions to facilitate and strengthen the cultural meaning. Moreover, the use of special strategies and technologies for conducting an effective teaching process is of particular value. Thus, culturally responsive classrooms require a carefully planned approach to create a positive classroom climate.
Culture-Related Teaching Skills
Creating a culturally responsive learning environment demands that teachers be equipped with the necessary strategies and skills. Crucially, this effort first requires deep knowledge of the cultural, traditional, and national features that define their students. Thus, teachers must initiate steps to cultivate awareness of these differences.
Research indicated that “culturally responsive teaching values and reflects the assets of all students and by doing that, it raises academic expectations for all learners” (Educators Team at Understood, n.d., para. 4). This can be done by holding various class hours and group activities that will unite the team and teach children to interact with the cultures of others. Moreover, it is possible to hold events that will also provide each student with an understanding of the features of their heritage and background, and share this knowledge with other children.
Effective Teaching Strategies
The primary aspect of this type of activity is defining the characteristics of effective teaching. They become an indicator of the success of culturally responsive measures. Therefore, the primary visible result may be the reduction of conflicts and stressful situations caused by prejudice and discrimination. Moreover, students may show interest in various cultural attributes and features of other children.
Among the most effective strategies may be the introduction of cultural characteristics in the learning process of students. Research has shown that “these connections help students access the rigorous curriculum and develop higher-level academic skills” (Educators Team at Understood, n.d., para. 1). This enables teachers to create a more positive and supportive classroom environment.
Appropriate Learning Resources
Learning resources offer valuable support in establishing a culturally responsive classroom. This is because various evidence-based studies can provide valuable information based on experience. For example, research stated that “existing frameworks for culturally responsive practices suggest their potential for promoting equitable learning environments, yet the state of the science has not been assessed” (Bottiani et al., 2018, p. 367). They can facilitate the dissemination of knowledge, promote inclusion, and foster a positive attitude toward cultural peculiarities. The same values and strategies should be passed on to caregivers, as they play a crucial role in reinforcing the knowledge that children acquire in the classroom. Teachers can contribute to this process by providing the necessary information about practices that can be implemented in home settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, culturally responsive teaching and classrooms have immeasurable value for building full-fledged members of society who honor equality and tolerance. This is because education providers must teach and raise awareness about the cultural characteristics of different people. To achieve this, strategies and frameworks can be employed to strengthen the information provided and identify new tools to activate knowledge. It is worth noting that parents play a crucial role in promoting cultural awareness, and they should also take measures to spread this awareness.
References
Bottiani, J. H., Larson, K. E., Debnam, K. J., Bischoff, C. M., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2018). Promoting Educators’ Use of Culturally Responsive Practices: A Systematic Review of Inservice Interventions. Journal of Teacher Education, 69(4), 367-385.
Educators Team at Understood. (n.d.). What is culturally responsive teaching? Understood.