Chapter 3 of Content Area Reading by Vacca and Vacca helps us to understand how it feels to be different in a traditional classroom setting, develop strategies to teach in a diverse student population, and to look to student difference as a resource and learn how individuals in a diverse classroom can benefit the instruction of ALL students.
Through this chapter of our text we are give four different multicultural instructional approaches:
Contributions Approach - Reflects the surface level of culture (celebrating holidays etc). This approach is not very in-depth and does not touch on more profound cultural elements.
Additive Approach - In this approach the curriculum remains mainly unchanged. When investigating a topic, this approach investigates multiple perspectives such as looking at a historical even from a different cultural viewpoint.
Transformative Approach - Examining cultural differences drives instruction. Understanding concepts, events, issues, and perspectives is key to learning the content.
Decision-Making/Social Action Approach - This approach is designed to engage students in an activity or project that encourages and promotes students to learn more about multicultural issues and evaluate. It also encourages students to take action on conclusions in the interest of social justice.
Upon reading this chapter, I am determined to make every effort to incorporate both the transformative and Decision-Making/Social Action Approach in my future classroom. The final approach I mentioned will promote a deeper thinking while encouraging them to be active citizens.
Some of the tools that I took learned from this chapter that will help me to create a culturally responsive classroom include but are not limited to:
- Setting appropriately high expectations for all students
- Building positive relationships with families and community
- Employing active teaching methods capable of involving ALL students
- Transitioning of teacher to facilitator of learning
- Turning over control of portions of the lessons to students
- Revolving instruction around students working in groups and pairs
The district that I work in has a mission statement that emphasizes the overall success of ALL students.
"To inspire and prepare ALL students with the confidence, courage, and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning.
None of this would be possible without creating a culturally responsive classroom and school environment.
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