Developing Curriculum: Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies in Arts Education

• In Event: Embodiment and Action: Centering Identity in Arts Education and Research

Abstract

Western culture and the White gaze have highly influenced and dominated arts education realm. While many studies stressed the importance of White teachers' multicultural and pluralistic education, findings suggest placing emphasis on educating teachers with the White gaze in particular in curriculum development and teaching in general. Thinking about sustaining students of color and cultural diversity, this paper uses a novel self-study research approach to examine a personal teaching practice in a racially diverse high school through a culturally sustaining pedagogy lens. In pursuit of truth, the inquirer reflected on what she can learn through her experience with students and how being mindful and paying attention creates an asset-based, cultural pluralist and caring art learning environment.

Author

• Yisha Zhao, University of Washington
  Presenting Author