Seeking Culturally Sustaining Experiences for Hispanic Mothers at an Informal Science Center

• In Event: Family Engagement and Learning in Informal Settings

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how an inquiry-based science center offered Hispanic mothers and their children opportunity for culturally sustaining experiences. Paris’ (2012) “culturally sustaining pedagogy” extends previous frameworks to include the fluidity and plurality of cultural and linguistic diversity, supporting multilingualism and multiculturalism in practice and perspective for learners. Through a case study approach, eight Hispanic mothers were observed with their children at a science center and then interviewed to elicit an understanding of their experiences. Results indicate that mothers were largely unfamiliar with museums yet the science center supported their socio-cultural ways of learning and engaging with their children. Nevertheless, the science center fell short in providing equitable cultural/linguistic access to the mothers.

Author

• Ingrid Weiland, Metropolitan State University of Denver