Cultivating Cultural Awareness in the Classroom: The Impact of Diverse Read-Alouds on Primary Education (Poster 16)

• In Event: Saturday Poster Session 1:15 pm
  In Poster Session: Talking Race and Cultural Diversity in Education

Abstract

This research is a qualitative case study that examines the effects of culturally diverse picture books in 53 K-3 elementary classrooms. Data include a total of 32 picture books from 200 videoed read-alouds. Data were coded and analyzed after reading the picture books and coded instances of the following criteria, Representation, Written Text (Language Use), and Theme and Cultural Context. Secondly, data were coded and analyzed using markers within Goreact to analyze recordings. The study's results show how culturally diverse literature provided an opportunity to discuss critical topics to increase student awareness and address implicit bias and prejudice. This study has important methodological implications for elementary classroom teachers and education programs to include culturally diverse texts in their curricula.

Authors

• Michelle Fry, Purdue University

• Mengying Xue, University of Missouri

• Helen Bentley, Purdue University

• Xuwei Luo, Purdue University

• Rong Zhang, Appalachian State University