Improving Classroom Practice Through Culturally Transformative Teaching

Culturally-transformative teaching restores teaching excellence to prominence in classroom practice through its systematic approach to precise teaching. It develops the pedagogical and cultural competence of both beginning and experienced teachers with learners in all instructional settings from the primary grades through university levels. Comprehensive explanations and examples throughout the volume help teachers get better and better at designing and conducting effective lessons so that all students have an equal opportunity to learn regardless of their cultural backgrounds or status in American society. The lesson framework and principles of the teaching model have been field-tested to serve as a growth-oriented university, school, or district-wide teacher development and evaluation system.

Practical classroom management applications assure that beginning and experienced teachers of all grade levels and instructional settings develop the cultural and managerial competence to make daily classroom practice easier, effective, and culturally-inclusive. Through developing culturally-competence, teachers learn to manage classrooms with a culturally-inclusive mindset in both mainstream and non-mainstream classrooms alike. They learn from start to finish how to structure and manage a culturally-inclusive classroom—how to establish the governance principles, how to set up the structure for operating the classroom with sensitivity and caring, and how to prevent and address student misbehavior. Emphasis is on helping students become disciplined caring individuals, and on assuring fairness and due process in applying penalties for misbehavior.

Culturally-centered educational experiences form the core of classroom practice. Beginning and experienced teachers at all grade levels and instructional settings learn how to help all students achieve their full potentials through an education program which draws on information from multiple cultures and perspectives. Through day-to-day classroom practice in both the regular and hidden curriculum and by joining forces with parents and the community they learn to employ practices which broaden students’ understanding of the world and its peoples.

Excellence in student learning is dependent upon cross-cultural understanding--having a broader view of people and the world than the traditional western-oriented view. This is a vital contextual resource for learning how and why to employ the recommended classroom practices outlined in the three classroom practice volumes. The presentation builds cultural competence. Readers become more observant and open to questioning why certain practices exist in schools. Through the process in this and in additional volumes of the series, readers gain new knowledge, deeper insights, and a way of thinking about schooling that will extend to the classroom and beyond.

Transformative Teaching Around the World compiles inspiring stories from Fulbright-awarded teachers whose instructional practices have impacted schools and communities globally. Whether thriving or struggling in their classrooms, instructing in person or online, or pushing for changes at high or low costs and risk levels, teachers devote intense energy and careful decision-making to their students and fellow staff. This book showcases an expansive variety of educational practices fostered across international contexts by real teachers: active and empowering learning strategies, critical thinking and creative problem-solving, cultural responsiveness and sustainability, humanistic integration of technology, and more. Pre- and in-service teachers, teacher educators, online/blended instructors, and other stakeholders will find a wealth of grounded, motivating approaches for transforming the lives of learners and their communities.

People are on the move all across the globe and the student population is becoming increasingly more diverse. This has brought about new opportunities and challenges for educators, and teachers. In this series teacher educators a) deconstruct and problematize what it means to educate new teachers for increasingly diverse schools and classroom contexts, and b) highlight experiences of teacher educators as they attempt to bridge the theory to practice divide often encountered in teacher education. In these challenging times when public education is under attack, culturally responsive, antiracist, critical multicultural, social justice and all forms of teaching that are inclusive and equitable must be supported and encouraged. As schools continue to be spaces where ideas and values that promote equity and justice in society are contested, teachers must be proactive in engaging in pedagogies that respond to the needs of a diverse student population. Transformative Pedagogies bring together the work of teachers, scholars, and activists from different countries and contexts who are seeking to transform teacher education. This book will be useful to all educators seeking alternative and innovative approaches to education and meeting the needs of students. Teacher educators examine what it means to be transformative and drawing on experiences from different contexts.

This paper argues that many pedagogical reform efforts falter because they fail to consider the cultural context of teacher and student behavior. Little guidance exists on how to adapt teaching practices to be compatible with culturally influenced behaviors and beliefs. We present evidence from three studies conducted as part of a large basic education program in Tanzania showing that some teaching activities are less effective or not well implemented because of culturally influenced behaviors in the classroom, namely children’s lack of confidence to speak up in class; a commitment to togetherness, fairness, and cooperation; avoidance of embarrassment; and age-graded authority. We propose ways teaching activities can be adapted to take these behaviors into account while still adhering to fundamental principles of effective learning, including student participation in their own learning, teaching at the right level, and monitoring students as a basis for adjusting instruction. Such adaptations may be made most effective by engaging teachers in co-creation of teaching activities.

Teaching children from diverse backgrounds begins with simple questions: What is my culture? What are my students' cultures? How does culture affect how I teach and how my students learn? Can I learn to value and honour the unique experiences and cultures of my students? These are essential questions for educators with a sincere desire to help all students succeed. This comprehensive guide provides detailed examples that show why and how to create culturally responsive, standards-based (CRSB) instruction in the classroom, schoolwide, and at the district level. Results of effective programs include: increased academic success for all learners; engaged and motivated students; development of critical thinking skills ncessary for higher learning; and strengthened partnerships between students, families, and communities. This new edition is enhanced with nationwide examples, up-to-date resources, and tools that can be implemented immediately. Principals, administrators, K - 12 teachers, curriculum and staff developers, and college instructors will find this handbook a valuable and powerful tool for promoting student engagment and improving struggling schools.