Overview
This lecture focuses on culturally relevant pedagogy, its core principles, and how to apply it in education, especially in the context of post-pandemic challenges and ongoing social unrest.
Community Guidelines & Introduction
- Practice empathy, listen without judgment, and use "I" statements when sharing personal experiences.
- Be open to new ideas and examine your own biases.
- Address questions for PBS Wisconsin in the chat and for the speaker in the Q&A box.
- PBS Wisconsin commits to equity, anti-racism, and using education for social change.
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Core Concepts
- Culturally relevant pedagogy consists of three equally important components: student learning, cultural competence, and critical consciousness.
- Student learning emphasizes growth and progress over raw test scores.
- Cultural competence means respecting students’ cultures and helping them navigate both their own and mainstream cultures.
- Critical consciousness encourages students to analyze and challenge societal issues using what they learn in class.
Application in Today's Context
- Post-pandemic teaching requires a "hard reset" instead of returning to previous methods that were ineffective for marginalized students.
- Integrate youth culture (like hip-hop) and technology meaningfully into classroom practices.
- Teachers should facilitate, not appropriate, student culture; be resourceful and creatively engage students.
Addressing Inequity and Trauma
- Recognize and address digital divides and socio-economic disparities, particularly exposed by COVID-19.
- Prioritize social-emotional learning for both students and staff to address trauma from the pandemic and racial unrest.
- Rituals and community support are important for healing, especially after losses experienced during the pandemic.
Q&A Highlights
- Culturally relevant pedagogy differs from culturally responsive pedagogy because it includes critical consciousness.
- White educators can respectfully engage with student culture by valuing, not appropriating, and fostering creative, resourceful teaching.
- School change should start with enthusiastic teachers, small pilot groups, and authentic data collection.
- Teaching is inherently political but should remain non-partisan and promote critical thinking.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Culturally Relevant Pedagogy — Teaching that links academic success, cultural competence, and critical consciousness.
- Student Learning — Growth in skills and knowledge, not just test scores.
- Cultural Competence — Respect for and facility with students' own and mainstream cultures.
- Critical Consciousness — Awareness and analysis of social, political, and economic injustices.
- Hard Reset — Complete overhaul of previous systems and practices in response to crisis.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on your own classroom and consider how to implement all three components of culturally relevant pedagogy.
- Explore integrating students’ cultures, identities, and technology into your teaching.
- Prepare for and address social-emotional needs brought by recent collective trauma.
- Look for resources and guides provided by PBS Wisconsin and subscribe to their newsletter for future webinars.