Culturally Relevant Approach to Science Teaching and Learning

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Three
  In Roundtable Session: Teaching Science for Culture Relevance and Justice (Table 4)

Abstract

This study explored six culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students’ engagement with HomeFun, activities designed to foster culturally relevant pedagogical connections between home and school. Findings indicated each student utilized their cultural knowledge in HomeFun activities, fostering their familial resources. Students demonstrated knowledge transfer, which meant they effectively used what they learned from family experiences to enrich their school-based learning. Further, their knowledge transfer was a bi-directional loop: students used knowledge gained from HomeFun activities to inform their science learning in school; they also used their science knowledge to participate in HomeFun activities. Results suggested teachers who incorporate culturally relevant activities like HomeFun can help CLD students deepen their appreciation of their cultural heritage as a resource for academic success.

Authors

• Deoksoon Kim, Boston College
  Presenting Author

• So Lim Kim, Boston College
  Presenting Author

• Michael Barnett, Boston College
  Presenting Author