Intercultural Understandings: Diversity, Equity, and Leadership in an Informal Learning Environment

• In Event: Teachers' and Learners' Use of Video to Increase Teaching and Learning

Abstract

In this study, we examined how participation in an afterschool and summer Thinking Together Club for a group of inner-city children influenced their opportunities for leadership and their understandings of diversity and equity. We used an Interactional Ethnography framework to guide an investigation of the results of this learning environment. Findings suggest resources within this learning environment, such as the opportunity to think and discuss in a group of mixed-age and mixed-heritage others, freedom of participation, and a co-learning pedagogical framework facilitated the children’s understandings of themselves, others, and their social worlds. We conclude that findings provide guidance to researchers and practitioners as they design innovative programs to create educational opportunities that foster diversity, equity, and leadership with underrepresented children.

Authors

• Kim Skinner, Louisiana State University

• Julie Parrish, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge

• Shufang Yang, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge

• Lindsay Stewart, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge

• Julia Schwartz, Baton Rouge Bridge Academy

• Shaofei Han, Louisiana State University

• Chau Bao Vu, Louisiana State University

• Shana Sanam Khan, Louisiana State University

• Shazia Humayun, Lousiana Department of Education

• Carla Albornoz, Louisiana State University

• Rosalind Mayweather Hudson, East Baton Rouge Parish Schools/Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge

• Jane Noble, Louisiana State University