Educators, especially those in urban schools, face unique considerations when working with diverse student populations whose experiences may not align with traditional teaching methods. Many students don’t see themselves in the curriculum content nor understand how to apply what they learned to their realities. A growing body of research emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant teaching to bridge this gap, promoting student engagement and achievement.
Norfolk State University’s online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Urban Education with a concentration in English program prepares aspiring educators to address these challenges by equipping them with the tools to deliver culturally responsive instruction. Graduates can utilize these cultural relevance skills in roles like secondary middle school teacher, secondary high school teacher, content area leader, teacher leader in English and curriculum specialist.
What Is Culturally Relevant Teaching?
Culturally relevant teaching, also known as culturally responsive teaching and culturally relevant pedagogy, is an educational approach that connects students’ cultural backgrounds, languages and life experiences to the learning process. Coined by Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, the term emphasizes academic success while affirming students’ cultural identities and preparing them to engage critically with societal issues.
Beyond simply acknowledging diversity, this approach actively integrates it into the curriculum. For example, rather than teaching literature solely from a Eurocentric perspective, a culturally responsive curriculum might include works by authors from diverse racial, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. This approach ensures students see their own cultures represented, fostering a deeper connection to their education.
Why Is Culturally Relevant Teaching Important?
The demographic realities of urban schools underscore the importance of culturally relevant teaching. According to the National School Boards Association (NSBA), students of color make up a significant portion of the urban school population, with many speaking languages other than English at home. Additionally, socioeconomic factors often intersect with these demographics, creating barriers to educational equity.
Students are more likely to thrive when they feel represented and valued in their learning environment. Culturally responsive teaching improves student engagement, attendance and academic outcomes by fostering a sense of belonging. When students see their identities and experiences reflected in the classroom, they are more motivated to participate and succeed.
Furthermore, culturally relevant pedagogy helps combat implicit biases in education. Traditional curricula and teaching methods often emphasize dominant cultural narratives, marginalizing students from underrepresented backgrounds. Educators can address these disparities by adopting culturally responsive strategies, ensuring all students have access to an equitable and affirming education.
Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies
Becoming a culturally responsive educator requires intentionality and continuous self-reflection. Teachers must assess their own biases, build genuine relationships with students and adapt their instructional methods to meet diverse needs. Norfolk State’s online M.A. Urban Education – English program equips future educators with the skills to implement these strategies effectively. Here are some practical approaches to culturally relevant teaching:
- Affirm, validate, recognize and process: According to the National Equity Project, teachers should affirm their students and their identities, validate the socio-political context they live in and challenges that come with it, use their culture as reference for teaching concepts, and help the things they learn “stick” with them.
- Create an inclusive learning environment: An inclusive classroom celebrates diversity and fosters respect among students. This approach might include displaying multilingual signage, celebrating cultural heritage months or encouraging students to share their experiences. These efforts signal that all cultures are valued.
- Engage families and communities: Building partnerships with students’ families and communities strengthens the connection between home and school. For example, educators can invite a speaker from the community to speak about their experiences, relate material to students’ lives, or give students real problems to solve.
- Adopt asset-based thinking: Rather than viewing differences as deficits, culturally responsive educators view diversity as a strength. This mindset encourages teachers to recognize and build upon the skills and knowledge students bring to the classroom.
- Professional development: Continuous learning is key to becoming a culturally responsive educator. Norfolk State’s online program emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development by providing tools and resources to stay informed about best practices in equity-focused education.
Culturally relevant teaching is critical to student learning outcomes, since it “focuses on the academic and personal success of students as individuals and as a collective. [Culturally relevant teaching] ensures students engage in academically rigorous curriculum and learning, feel affirmed in their identities and experiences, and develop the knowledge and skills to engage the world and others critically,” according to Teach for America. By implementing the above strategies, educators can create learning environments that not only support academic achievement but also empower students to navigate and challenge societal inequities.
Learn more about Norfolk State University’s online M.A. in Urban Education with a concentration in English program.