Culturally Relevant Community Outreach: Fitting Learning Theory to Informal Learning Spaces for Science Literacy

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Informal Learning Environments Research SIG Poster Session (San Diego)

Abstract

STEM literacy, as defined by the NRC is “the knowledge and understanding of scientific and mathematical concepts and processes required in personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural-affairs, and economic productivity.” Amidst the pandemic, the dissent and distrust of science and health advisories has emphasized the community cost for deficits in science literacy. Using the lessons learned through the Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) model within formal education, the Culturally Relevant Community Outreach (CRCO) approach extends these best practices to informal learning spaces. Applying Ladson-Billings’ three foci: social relations, conceptions of self and others, and conceptions of knowledge, this phenomenological study of a USVI team resulted in 1) team, 2) community and 3) linkage domains with 8 emergent themes.

Authors

• Lawanda Cummings, University of the Virgin Islands

• Resa Berkeley, University of the Virgin Islands