Collectivism and Individualism in Emerging Bilingual Students' Writing: Implications for Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Collectivism and Individualism in Emerging Bilingual Students' Writing: Implications for Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Abstract

In this qualitative analysis of emerging bilingual students’ writing samples across three years, we examine the role of collectivist and individualistic orientations. We argue that students employ both orientations simultaneously across time and language environments. We question the use of essentialist cultural categories such as collectivism and individualism and encourage culturally relevant pedagogy that attends to students’ nuanced and multifaceted interpretations of life experiences.

Authors

• Meg Burns, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Adriana Alvarez, University of Colorado - Boulder