Lesson 1: What Does it Mean to be Culturally Responsive?
Lesson 1: What is Cultural Responsiveness?
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Culturally Relevant Terminology
- 2.1 Key Concepts in Cultural Competence
- 2.2. Video Reflection
3 Cultural Awareness vs Cultural Competence
Introduction
Now that we have learned the definition of cultural responsiveness, we will now dive into culturally relevant terminology that can be implemented during lessons and to guide instruction. This topic is essential so educators can effectively create an inclusive classroom environment and avoid potential misunderstandings.
Culturally Relevant Terminology
The following subtopics are meant to introduce the learner to a plethora of terminology related to cultural awareness. Each term will have a definition and include how it can be utilized in a classroom setting with students.
Key Concepts in Cultural Competence
| Term | Definition | How it can be utilized in classroom |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Competence | “Cultural competence is the ability of an individual to understand and respect values, attitudes, beliefs, and mores that differ across cultures, and to consider and respond appropriately to these differences in planning, implementing, and evaluating health education and promotion programs and interventions.” (American Association for Health Education) | This helps to foster a sense of belonging in a classroom setting and make all students feel respected and valued. In addition, educators who are culturally competent can communicate effectively with students’ families and integrate students' personal backgrounds into the school curriculum. |
| Cultural Awareness | The NCCC defines “cultural awareness” as being cognizant, observant, and conscious of similarities and differences among and between cultural groups (Goode, 2001, revised 2006). | This helps educators be more alert to cultural differences and similarities that will present opportunities and challenges to working in a multicultural environment. Educators should attempt to gain insight into their student's identity and the role cultural plays in their personal lives. |
| Cultural Proficiency | “Cultural reciprocity refers to the dynamic and material exchange of knowledge, values, and perspectives between two or more individuals of different cultural (e.g., racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, religious) backgrounds.” (United States Department of Education) | As an educator, cultural reciprocity is an important concept to help form trusting relationships with students and their families. This concept also helps to reduce stereotypes and combat prejudices. |
| Cultural Identity | “Cultural Identity is the shared characteristics of a group of people, which encompasses, place of birth, religion, language, cuisine, social behaviors, art, literature, and music. Some cultures are widespread, and have a large number of people who associate themselves with those particular values, beliefs, and origins. Others are relatively small, with only a small number of people who associate themselves with that culture.” (National Geographic Society) | Understanding a student's cultural identity can help educators to better modify lessons and make students feel more included in the classroom. For example, consider reading some literature in your classroom that relates to the backgrounds of diverse students in your class. |
Reflection time!
Please watch the following video and keep some of these guiding questions fresh in your mind thoughout the video.
Questions:
- How does the video describe cultural competence?
- How can I, as an educator, improve my cultural competence?
Cultural Awareness vs Cultural Competence
What cultural awareness is...
- Recognition of diversity
- Understanding differences
- Empathy & sensitivity
What cultural awareness is not...
- Cultural superiority
- Stereotyping
- Ignorance
What cultural competence is...
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability
- Understanding your potential bias
- Advocacy
- Inclusivity
- Continuous learning
What cultural competence is not...
- Assimilation
- Ethnocentrism
- Tokenism (superficial displays of cultural sensitivity)
Please continue to Unit 1, Lesson 2.
References:
- Strategies for cultural proficiency. (n.d.). https://www.doe.mass.edu/edeffectiveness/equitableaccess/resources/cultural-proficiency.pdf
-Curricula enhancement module series. NCCC. (n.d.). https://nccc.georgetown.edu/curricula/awareness/index.html#:~:text=The%20NCCC%20defines%20%E2%80%9Ccultural%20awareness,the%20beginning%20of%20intercultural%20effectiveness.
- Lamont, W. K., & Black-Branch, J. L. (1996, March 31). Cultural reciprocity: Exploring the impacts of cross-cultural instruction on professorial self-reflection. ERIC. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED400251#:~:text=Cultural%20reciprocity%20refers%20to%20the,%2C%20socioeconomic%2C%20religious)%20backgrounds.
- Cultural identity. Education. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/resource-library-cultural-identity/
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