Chapter 14 Synthesis

Chapter 14: Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices

*Things I Do Right

     I think that being culturally responsive is perhaps one of the most important aspects of teaching, today.  As our culture changes so quickly, and the needs of our students shift and move, we have to mirror that change.  One thing I think I do right is to change my practices as the students need it.  I am not so stuck on the traditional "old" ways that I cannot change, and I am not so stuck on my own ways that I cannot adjust to what my students need.  I try to run a student-centered classroom as much as possible to allow my culturally diverse students a larger comfort zone; however, it can be hard to relinquish control when you have students with specific learning needs that must be met.  Sometimes direct and explicit instruction are needed, and then you are facing a teacher-centered class.  Also, another thing I think I do right is not grading every assignment.  I feel like sometimes the work itself is its own reward.  A simple comment, like "Wow, this your best piece yet!  I had a blast reading it, and I cannot wait to see what you churn out next!  Good job, buddy!" is rewarding in a way that even a 100/A+ cannot claim.  Further, one other thing I think I do well is making sure that my assessments are varied, so that all of my students have a fair chance.  Not everyone tests the same way, and this is something I passionately believe. The other thing I do to try to connect to my culturally diverse students is to bring art and music into the classroom because those are two things that translate to any culture and any language, making those portions of class applicable to every individual, no matter his/her background. 

*Oops

     There are a few areas in which I need work to become more culturally responsive.  One way is to take a step away from lecture sometimes, although I don't lecture overly much, and let the students discover the literature on their own.  I want to be better at allowing a little control to slip through my fingers and into theirs.  I also want to work harder to recognize and celebrate the differences within my classroom.  I want every student to feel good in my classroom--to feel that they are safe and a part of our learning community.  I need to work harder to make this happen by coming up with ways to celebrate diversity. 

*Things I Might Use
     As far as the future goes, I just hope that as our nation grows, and as our individual classrooms grow, I will, as well.  I want to be the most culturally responsive teacher I can be every single day.  I want every student to take ownership in his/her learning and feel that they are important and cared for.  I hope to continue to learn more about being culturally responsive, whether in the continuation of my graduate degree or my professional development at school.