Shifting from “Deficit” to “Asset” Models
Cultural differences between students should NOT be a deficit or a reason for academic disadvantages. Instead, we should see that each student brings a unique perspective into the classroom. This is an asset, not a deficit, and it needs to be recognized in the classroom.
Cultural modeling approach
Focuses on students from underrepresented cultures and how teachers can help them make connections between their own cultural experiences and the content and what is being taught. By doing this students feel comfortable with learning, students feel seen and appreciated, and achievement and motivation will increase.
Example of Cultural Modeling Approach: Making a connection between how understanding the meaning behind rap lyrics can help with understanding the meaning of classroom texts.
Funds of knowledge
Made up of the valuable understandings, skills, and tools that students maintain as part of their identity. A classroom that values the experiences and stories of all students will have an advantage over those that do not. Teachers need to connect what students have experienced to content in order to foster deeper understanding of subject-matter.
Third spaces
Co-creating with students spaces that emerge through genuine dialogue. Teachers and students open up to create a space in which students can incorporate their stories into the classroom.
what does this mean for teachers?
Teachers have to take time to know their students and where they are coming from. They must try and understand their experiences and perspective. Then incorporate that into your lesson plans. We must recognize the differences between our students but not let them define who they are. Shift from seeing these differences as deficits to assets. Spend time with students to create a third space in which they feel comfortable sharing what they truly feel. Tap into the funds of knowledge they may have and utilize that for your lessons. If we, as teachers, begin to do this, we can move towards a more equitable classroom and it will push us to be more tolerable as teachers.