Technology and the Seven Principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching - #3: Learning environments are physically and culturally inviting.

Technology and the Seven Principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching

#3: Learning environments are physically and culturally inviting.

“School looks like me….diversity lives here and is honored”

A learning environment that is physically and culturally inviting has a major impact on student learning. When teachers use tools that students are more familiar with, like digital devices they use outside of school, it's an opportunity for students to see how their devices can be used for productivity and learning. Of course there are many no tech/low tech ways to create a physically and culturally inviting classroom, but there are also many opportunities to use tech tools that we have abundant access to in our schools.

Use these tools to enable students to share their family history or help them connect with their culture and diversity in ways that would be otherwise impossible without technology. But don't forget that using these tools can also mimic the way students are learning at home too, since learning doesn't just happen at school!

Elements and Strategies of Culturally Responsive Teaching

Read, Watch, Question

Read

Use articles below to learn more about physically and culturally inviting learning environments through research and practical applications.

(Solo, Collaboration, Consulting, Create-It)

Invite students to co-design their learning environment

7 Traits of Learner-Centered Teachers

PCCS Zones of Learning

Watch

Watch videos to gain insight and gather ideas about how to create a more physically and culturally inviting classroom.

(Solo, Consulting, Create-It)

Interaction: Building a Culture for the Modern Learner

Interaction: Learning Spaces for the Modern Environment

Getting Better Together: Taking a Leap into Blogging

Movies Made Easy

Question

Use questions to help brainstorm ways to create a more physically and culturally inviting classroom.

(Collaboration, Consulting)

How does the classroom environment promote interaction among learners—and how do I operate in that environment?
How do I respond to a lack of buy-in/student engagement?
Which is more important to me: compliance or knowledge?
If learners weren't required to come to my class, would they?