The application of cultural practices in teaching science promotes equity to learners. Moreover, it is effective in teaching student populations that have different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, such as in South Florida. In a science classroom, cultural diversity begins with the students through their experiences. These familiarities are determined by their interaction in the world and their contact with the science content outside the classroom. Tutors are required to transform how they think about their students and appreciate different cultures. Teaching culturally and ethnically diverse learners in science classrooms involves various strategies that instructors should learn.
As the teachers interact with students from different cultures and ethnicities, informative strategies are involved in a science classroom. Culturally relevant teaching originated from Gloria Ladson-Billings’ work to capture the pedagogical excellence of successful teachers of African-American students (Mensah, n.d). Ethnically responsive approaches can be applied, such as knowing who the students are and their different talents and assets in a classroom setting. The technique can be used by listening and understanding diverse student’s cultures and experiences (Underwood & Mensah, 2018). Another strategy involves focusing on the student desires and those that will help science teaching.
Many students are very creative and can be encouraged to improve their skills. For instance, in innovation, communication, and research, such talents help them to learn science and be nurtured. Strategies applied in teaching diverse learners culturally and ethnically promote appreciation and respect of cultures; they include discussions, drawing, games, bulletin billboards, and other practices. I am looking forward to incorporating these strategies into my science teaching to create a friendly environment for learners from different backgrounds. Moreover, the techniques will enable me to develop a culture that appreciates all students irrespective of their ethnic differences. I will also create learning opportunities for economically disadvantaged students, racial or ethnic minority students, and students with disabilities.
To sum up, teaching diverse learners requires educators to appreciate different cultures since it is an ethical consideration in education. Science teachers must know their students better to adjust the teaching styles to create a conducive learning environment. The instructor should teach the importance of culture to the learning of science. The application of cultural strategies does not negate the importance of the science content but instead broadens the accessibility of content. Hence cultural approaches should be applied in science teaching, and ethics should be observed to avoid oppressing some students.
References
Mensah, F. M. (n.d.). Teaching culturally and ethnically diverse learners in the science classroom. Columbia University.
Underwood, J. B., & Mensah, F. M. (2018). An investigation of science teacher educators’ perceptions of culturally relevant pedagogy. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 29(1), 46-64. Web.