Why?
Culturally Responsive facilitators understand that culture is the lens through which we see and understand the world. All new learning and experiences are filtered through our personal beliefs. Facilitators of adult learning that develop their own cultural understanding are able to examine their beliefs and in turn design and lead learning that strives to provide equitable and responsive learning opportunities in environments built for safety.
Guiding Questions:
How will you become aware of your personal beliefs and how they influence the decisions you make in designing and facilitating professional learning?
How do you develop your own cultural knowledge in order to create a safe environment where differences are valued and supported?
In what ways do you prioritize developing authentic relationships during professional learning?
Learning Resources:
Inclusive Practices Guide, VDOE, 2019
7 High Operational Practices, Dr. Yvette Jackson
Virginia Roadmap to Educational Equity, VDOE
The Journey to Cultural Proficiency, Learning Forward, 2007
Equity, The Learning Professional, 2018
Fostering Motivation in Professional Development Programs: The Motivational Framework for Culturally Responsive Teaching, Raymond J. Wlodkowski
Considerations for Responsive Facilitation, School Reform Initiative
Chapter 1: Professional Learning Standards Through the Lens of Cultural Proficiency Reach the Highest Standard in Professional Learning: Outcomes. Delores B. Lindsey, Randall B. Lindsey, Shirley M. Hord, and Valerie von Frank. Reach the Highest Standard in Professional Learning Series Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin / Learning Forward, 2016. P 1-42.
Facilitation Strategies:
Diversity Protocols, VBCPS CRP Stockpile
Forming Ground Rules: Ground rules or norms are important for groups that intend to work together on difficult issues or who will be working together over time. Ground rules build trust, clarify expectations and establish an opportunity for reflection.
Diversity Rounds: This is a protocol to use in working with others that supports defining various identities and supports thinking more deeply about what diversity means.
Spectrum Mapping: This protocol is designed to reveal the diversity of perspectives and options around a given topic in a way that allows players to express views without having to assert them vocally.
The Meaning Making Protocol: Provides the opportunity for members of a group to find a connection to an individual's experience.
Circles of Identity: Use this tool that initiates dialogue to support a group in the examine issues of identity, diversity, beliefs and values and make connections between who we are and how that shapes decisions and behaviors.
Village of 100 People: This activity can be used to support the need for tolerance and making global connections.
