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Culturally Relevant Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice

Mikhail Bulgakov

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Published in Dance Pedagogy For A Diverse World: Culturally Relevant Teaching In Theory Research And Practice

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Culturally relevant teaching (CRT) is an approach to education that seeks to connect the content of a school's curriculum to the cultural experiences and backgrounds of its students. This type of teaching is based on the belief that all students have a unique cultural identity that shapes their learning. When teachers are able to connect their lessons to the lives of their students, they can create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.

The concept of culturally relevant teaching has been around for centuries. However, it was not until the 1960s and 1970s that CRT began to be widely adopted in schools. This was due in part to the Civil Rights Movement, which raised awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in education.

One of the pioneers of CRT was James Banks. In his 1989 book, "Teaching Strategies for Ethnic Studies," Banks argued that CRT is essential for providing all students with an equitable education. He proposed a framework for CRT that included four dimensions:

Dance Pedagogy for a Diverse World: Culturally Relevant Teaching in Theory, Research and Practice

by Sean Williams

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Content integration: Including the experiences and perspectives of diverse cultures in the curriculum.
Knowledge construction: Helping students to develop their own knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures.
Equity pedagogy: Providing all students with equal access to the curriculum and opportunities to succeed.
Empowerment: Helping students to develop a sense of pride in their own culture and the cultures of others.

There are a number of different theories that support CRT. One of the most influential is the theory of social constructivism. This theory states that knowledge is not objective, but rather is constructed by individuals through their interactions with others. According to social constructivism, CRT is important because it allows students to construct knowledge that is meaningful to them and their lives.

Another theory that supports CRT is the theory of critical race theory. This theory argues that race is a social construct that is used to oppress people of color. Critical race theory suggests that CRT is important because it can help students to understand the role of race in society and to challenge racism.

There is a growing body of research that supports the effectiveness of CRT. This research has shown that CRT can improve student engagement, academic achievement, and social-emotional development.

One study, published in the journal "Educational Researcher," found that students who were taught using CRT methods were more likely to be engaged in their learning and to have higher academic achievement than students who were taught using traditional methods.

Another study, published in the journal "The Urban Review," found that CRT can help to improve the social-emotional development of students. This study found that students who were taught using CRT methods were more likely to have positive attitudes towards themselves and others, and were more likely to be involved in their communities.

There are a number of best practices that teachers can use to implement CRT in their classrooms. These best practices include:

Getting to know your students: The first step to implementing CRT is to get to know your students. This includes learning about their cultural backgrounds, their interests, and their learning styles.
Using culturally relevant materials: When selecting materials for your classroom, be sure to include materials that reflect the diversity of your students. This can include books, videos, and other resources that feature characters and stories from different cultures.
Creating a culturally inclusive classroom environment: Your classroom should be a place where all students feel welcome and respected. This means creating a space that is free of bias and discrimination, and where students are encouraged to share their own culture with others.
Teaching about diversity and inclusion: It is important to teach students about diversity and inclusion. This can be done through lessons on different cultures, discussions about race and racism, and activities that promote empathy and understanding.
Empowering students: CRT should empower students to develop a sense of pride in their own culture and the cultures of others. This can be done by providing students with opportunities to share their own experiences, to learn from others, and to make a difference in their world.

Culturally relevant teaching is an essential approach to education in today's diverse world. By connecting the content of the curriculum to the cultural experiences and backgrounds of their students, teachers can create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience for all.

Dance Pedagogy for a Diverse World: Culturally Relevant Teaching in Theory, Research and Practice

by Sean Williams

4.9 out of 5