Journeying and Studying Ubuntu Pedagogy for Cultural Competence and Teaching: The Urban Teachers' Experience

• In Event: Culturally Responsive Schools

Abstract

Research shows the promise of teacher engagement in critical culturally responsive teaching for improving the schooling experiences and personal and academic development of minoritized and other marginalized students. Cultural competence is a prerequisite for culturally responsive teaching. Yet, research shows that many teachers (preservice teachers) continue to struggle developing their cultural competency and engagement in culturally responsive teaching. Ubuntu pedagogy presents a possibility. This presentation focuses on an ethnographic study of teachers’ experiences about studying the framework of Ubuntu pedagogy and developing cultural competence for teaching in urban schools. We examine the question: How does the knowledge and practice of Ubuntu pedagogy foster and improve urban teachers’ cultural and teaching competence?

Authors

• Alecia N. Blackwood, Valencia College

• Omiunota N. Ukpokodu, University of Missouri - Kansas City