Friday class was a wonderful experience for me, because we had the honor to meet amazing people that had years of knowledge to share with us.
Listening to Paula Savikko I realised that a culturally responsive teacher knows what to teach and how to teach it. As teachers we all have a curriculum that needs to guide us, but how we choose to teach the information is up to us. Her words “own your own curriculum” will stick with me throughout my teaching career. In order to engage your students you need to make the subject accessible to students, be clear about the purpose, and the process. Culturally responsive teachers coach their students to question, make observations, test hypothesis, consult original sources, connect content to their own lives, collect , and analyze data. It is very important to make time to build relationships with your students and guide them in their attempts. Another good advice from Paula was to involve the parents, community, different organizations in your activities.
The other activity that we’ve done, the Math Trail was a good way to apply our skills and knowledge with another two peers. Working in groups is always engaging, because each member has an idea that is worth exploring. By doing this you can look at a Math problem from a scientific or an artistic point of view. Most of the problems have multiple correct answers. You can reach the same result following different trails.
I would use this in my science class, as a way to connect science with other disciplines like social studies, or art. English classes could be used to introduce a certain historic event through a novel that students would read as part as their English curriculum. Students can create riddles or word games to learn different chemistry or math formulas. I remember what Reuben said when he explained the problem to us: SOH, CAH, TOA. It made me smile because many people didn’t have a clue what he was talking about at first, but he presented the information in an accessible form to all of us. This is the essence of CRT- ”developing a good recipe of words that you will share with others”( David Katzeek).
Iona- I’m glad you brought this phrase back to my attention: “own your own curriculum.” I can relate to the struggle of getting caught up in content and feeling like “re-inventing the wheel.” It’s encouraging to remember that you are at the helm of your teaching and can stick to a teaching style that you are comfortable with.
I really love what you said here: “each member has an idea that is worth exploring. By doing this you can look at a Math problem from a scientific or an artistic point of view. Most of the problems have multiple correct answers. You can reach the same result following different trails.”
Ioana,
your reflection on CRT reminds me how much power as we have as educators in selecting what is important in teaching. We are the creators, facilitators, and purveyors of education, and with that comes great responsibility, inclusivity, and creativity. I also agree with Devin’s words, you can get caught up in re-inventing the wheel (great reference Devin!) and we are at the helms of our teaching.
Thank you for sharing Ioana, and the picture along with this is beautiful!