Differentiation in a Culturally Responsive Learning Environment Part B Presented by Julie Machnaik...

Differentiation in a Culturally Responsive Differentiation in a Culturally Responsive Learning Environment Part BLearning Environment Part B

Presented byPresented by

Julie MachnaikJulie MachnaikUniversity of Regina University of Regina

Cliff Notes

Mystery Guest& Predictions

Who? What? Where? When? What do you see?

Culturally Responsive Teaching is differentiating how we teach to the needs and experiences of students in appropriate and effective ways.

Culturally Responsive Teaching is Empowering

Students believe they can succeed in learning tasks and have motivation to persevere.

(Gay, 2000)

Culturally Responsive Teaching is Transformative

It means respecting the cultures and experiences of various groups and then uses these as resources for teaching and learning

It appreciates the strengths and gifts of all learners 

“Culture becomes our reality; the map that guides us, the window through which we view the world.

To ignore someone’s culture is to ignore that person’s innermost self”

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Culturally responsive teaching teaches the whole childand is strength-based.

Handouts: Circle of Courage It’s Okay to Make Mistakes (Restitution)

The circle suggests the importance of the shared values of belonging, generosity, independence, and mastery.

So What?

So what can I do to create a more differentiated culturally responsive classroom? School?

As an intern and new teacher, where do I start?

White Teachers/Diverse Classrooms

Where do I start?• Kid-watch

– Who are your learners? What gifts do they bring? Where do they come from? What are their cultural connections?

• ‘See’ and plan for the differences in your classroom

– We tend to see and plan for ‘sameness’

• Look at the cultural context of the ‘place’ you are at:

– Classroom

– School

– Community

– City

– Province

– Country

• Know your own strengths, gifts and weaknesses

– Examine your own beliefs, values, assumptions

– Know your own level of cultural competence

– Challenge yourself to learn more

– Push yourself out of your comfort zone

– Take risks

• Don’t work alone

– Find an ally, a like-minded individual, supporter

– Plan with a colleague, discuss with your administrator, invite parents to share expertise and volunteer in class

– Connect with the community expertise

– Involve your students and community in the planning process

We Are Not The Same

There are NO two students that are the same yet we sometimes

teach them as if they are…Is this fair?

QuickWrite

Add tp Mindmap

Invitation to Learn Quote

“I have respect for who you are and who you can become. I want to know you. I have time for you. I try to see things through your eyes. This classroom is ours, not mine.

There is a clear roadmap to success here, and I will share it with you. When one route to learning doesn’t work, we’ll find another. I am your partner in growth. We are on a mission to learn. I watch you and listen to you carefully.

You’re growing, but you’re not finished growing. There is no finish line in learning…”

Carol Ann Tomlinson