Ethnic Identity in Education: Using What We Know to Improve Education for All Children

• In Event: Investigating Best Practices in Teaching the Humanities

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research was to investigate teachers’ reasons for providing students with opportunities to explore their ethnic identity in education—a practice under realized in schools. A middle school and a high school teacher in an urban school district participated in the study. Analysis of the data revealed that teachers provided students with opportunities to explore ethnic identity because doing so 1) facilitated academic learning, 2) instilled ethnic pride, 3) fulfilled students’ need for respect and cultural self knowledge, 4) provided a sense of belonging and psychological well-being, 5) engendered self-determination, and 6) affirmed the national and global contributions of ethnic groups. Each of these themes is directly or indirectly related to school success.

Author

• Andre J. Branch, San Diego State University