Culturally Responsive Teaching

I created a lesson plan that integrates principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) into a Physics class, with a focus on the topic of waves. This lesson was developed following my participation in the WPI Research Experience for Educators Program, where I conducted research on developing a transcutaneous blood oxygen sensor using Physics concepts related to waves and the photoelectric effect. I scheduled this lesson to take place at the end of the first week of instruction on waves, after students had covered topics such as electromagnetic waves, transverse versus longitudinal waves, and wave components.

The goal of the lesson was to create an environment where students could engage with the research topic, ask questions, and relate it to their own lives while exploring Physics-related career opportunities. To prepare for the lesson, students completed an online career matching tool and a Personal Career Profile planning sheet from the Step Up Physics Together project, which aims to engage young women in Physics.

The lesson began with me sharing my research experience, aligning with the Massachusetts curriculum standard HS-PS4-5, which addresses technical information on the photoelectric effect. By highlighting the limitations of current pulse oximetry technology, the lesson also connected to the United Nations' third sustainable development goal. Furthermore, the topic of this research project allowed students to engage in a discussion about the societal impact of this research.

The second part of the lesson involved connecting students with a guest speaker from a diverse background, ideally, either a student or the lead professor on the research project. Students were encouraged to ask the guest questions about their career. Following the guest speaker session, students shared their reflections on the experience, including any surprises or insights gained. I considered my goal accomplished when I reviewed the students' career assessment papers and read their reflections on the experience.

Assessing the effectiveness of my CRT component involved prompting students to reflect on their experiences. Many students actively participated in the Q&A session with the speaker and demonstrated creativity in crafting posters that linked the technology discussed in class to real-world scenarios. This lesson plan was successfully implemented across all my classes, resulting in a positive outcome overall. Students showed enthusiasm in learning about a commonly used medical device in hospitals, and I appreciated the opportunity to share my personal experiences as an alum of the school. Several students were surprised by the diverse career opportunities in Physics and STEM fields. The diverse range of posters created, including some translated into other languages, added to the success of the lesson.

Incorporating CRT into my teaching has significantly boosted engagement and contributed to a positive classroom atmosphere. Utilizing culturally diverse techniques has enabled me to address a wide spectrum of student needs and establish a more inclusive learning environment. These practices prioritize student voice and empowerment, encouraging active participation in the learning process and fostering increased confidence, motivation, and ownership among my students. Additionally, further CRT training has heightened my awareness of personal biases and assumptions, as well as those ingrained in educational materials and practices.

Lesson Plan Link