Five ways to be more culturally responsive in the classroom

1) Understanding of diverse cultural groups

-As teachers we should develop an awareness and a knowledge base in a
variety of cultures, ethnicities, and diverse groups especially of our FNIM
populations
-You dont know what you dont know. In order to open up effective lines of
communication between you and your students, you should have an
understanding of cultural values, beliefs, learning styles, traditions, various
knowledges or literacies, how people relate to one another, cultural norms,
etc. Only then will you be able to find a foundation in which to build a
relationship on.
2) Design engaging and relevant curricula materials
-it must be frustrating for a student who is required to learn a bunch of
material and information that they are unable to relate to at all.
-spend time relating material to various current events in the world; show
how what we are learning is interconnected and effects other people.
-give choice for inquiry projects to allow for students of various cultural
backgrounds to engage in a way that is of interest or importance to them.
-provide a variety of resources for students to choose from, that include
multiple perspectives, points of view, etc. and give students opportunities to
establish their own through critical thinking. Be conscientious of the
lens/perspectives a given text is illustrated from, and decontextualize these
aspects with your students. Point out inadequacies or inaccuracies that are
often taken as truth.
3) Create a safe learning community/atmosphere
-intercultural space
-consider the climate or atmosphere of your classroom space for learning.
Ensure it makes students from all backgrounds feel they have a place to
belong in which they can be respected and acknowledged.
-ensure you establish empathy and acceptance as cornerstones for all
individuals within this classroom. Foster open-mindedness and
understanding in students to learn about and respect other
cultures/ethnicities backgrounds/values/beliefs, etc.
4) Communication across cultures
-intercultural communication
-how you engage students; important for creating sense of community in the
classroom

-awareness of verbal and non-verbal cues; be aware of culturally appropriate

behaviour/ways of engaging others; awareness of other thought patterns in
students due to cultural socialization
-communication patterns and styles are reflective of cultural values and
shape how students learn and receive information; common to Aboriginal
culture is communication through story-telling for example.
5) Delivery of instruction, teaching methods and pedagogy
-culture is embedded in teaching; need to match instruction methods and
techniques to the diverse learning styles of students
-be teachable; create bridges for instruction and dialogue and discussion
-integrate cultural and ethnic diversity into all aspects of how you teach
-connect with prior knowledge all students have a wealth of knowledge
when they come into the classroom, they are not empty vessels

Group Share:
Multiple instruction methods to allow indiv studs to learn in most effective way
-pedagogy teaching/learning
Multiple perspectives in class material
Teacher attitudes & assumptions
Physical space
Resources culturally
-perspective
Practices & Routines
Cues & conventions of language
Theory of learning
Building relationships
Be reflective
Student led