3 things that you can do right now
Consider the culture that exists within your own context. How does this influence the decisions you make on a day-to-day basis? Are there any changes you might want to make?
Look at the issues your mentee may need to be aware of in respect to culture within your context. Discuss these and be explicit in what you expect from your mentee.
Use this as an opportunity to become more aware of your own culture. How does your culture influence what you teach? What you prioritise? Is it always fit for purpose within your professional context?
In this section
Be Culturally Aware
In this section we focus on:
- how to be culturally aware
Being aware of cultural differences and different cultural values, beliefs and perceptions is a key element to ensuring you are working effectively as a practitioner. When working with the pupils in our schools, we know that it is vital for us to offer opportunities for them to explore and understand the culture of the country we live but also the cultures of other countries across the world. In the rich and diverse society that we live and work in, it is vital we, as Teacher Educators, reflect this diversity with our own attitude and approach to work. It is important that we recognise, respect and nurture the unique cultural identity of everyone we work with, but this is especially true when we are working as a mentor. A multicultural society needs to be served by a culturally responsive curriculum. Showing that you genuinely care about the cultural, emotional and intellectual needs of the children and adults that you are supporting demonstrates your ability to be culturally aware.
It is not just about the beliefs and values that we hold and demonstrate on a day-to-day basis, but also in the modelling of these behaviours in our classroom. Considering your own context and the varied cultural differences that will exist, how do you cater for these and ensure that you have made these decisions explicit to your mentee?
The RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) have recently conducted a two-year study considering the role that cultural learning plays in improving educational outcomes for children. The findings of this report are due to be released in the summer of 2020 and will include accessible summaries of trial data that will hopefully provide invaluable support and guidance on how to ensure we are using evidence, as well as evidence from our own work, to continuously improve our practice. The programme prospectus for this project can be found in the ‘Useful links’ tab on this page.
6 Ways Teachers Can Foster Cultural Awareness in the Classroom
Matthew Lynch outlines 6 easy steps to ensure you are fostering cultural awareness within your classroom.
Learning About Culture: Programme Prospectus
he RSA have recently conducted a two-year study, looking into the role that cultural learning plays in improving educational outcomes for children. The EEF will publish the findings of this report
Mindful Equity
Mindful Equity are a peer networking service that supports all Black and Asian women educators from the beginning of their careers - from trainee onwards. Regular events and online support help promote solution focused conversations about diversity within the education sector and encourage all educators from across the board to engage in this important debate. The team work with the most amazing Allies and are proud to be part of a wide ranging and truly diverse network.
Culture Across the Curriculum: A Psychology Teacher's Handbook
Kenneth D. Keith (Editor) (Cambridge University Press, 2018)
This book offers some helpful guidance on how to ensure your curriculum is prioritising and effectively embracing culture across your school curriculum.
Practices of compassionate, critical, justice-oriented teacher education. Journal of teacher education,
Conklin, H.G. and Hughes, H.E. (2016), 67(1), 47-60.
Teacher education for social justice: mapping identity spaces. Teaching and teacher education,
Boylan, M. and Woolsey, I. (2015)46, 62-71.
Think Piece: What would a socially just education system look like?
Reay, D. (2012)
Mindful Equity
Mindful Equity are a peer networking service that supports all Black and Asian women educators from the beginning of their careers - from trainee onwards. Regular events and online support help promote solution focused conversations about diversity within the education sector and encourage all educators from across the board to engage in this important debate. The team work with the most amazing Allies and are proud to be part of a wide ranging and truly diverse network.
It's (past) time to appreciate cultural diversity
In this entertaining TED talk Hayley Yeates talks about the importance of diversity within a high performing team and speaks candidly about her experience of growing up as an Asian in Australia. Hayley makes the case that investing in cultural diversity can have a profound impact on your working environment.
Be Culturally Aware - Further Development
