Author:
In my current life, I have faced a lot of situations about culturally responsive when I was in school. There is a thing sticks in my mind. During my early years in elementary school, all subjects were taught in Mandarin. As a result, many students gradually lost the ability to speak their local dialects. This caused frustration among parents, who strongly believed that dialects were crucial for their children’s cultural development. In response, parents collectively voiced their concerns to the school. After discussions among parents, teachers, administrators, and the principal, the school decided to incorporate dialect instruction into the curriculum. Teachers were encouraged to integrate dialects into their lessons when they thought the part is appropriate, and an additional course was introduced to teach students how to speak their local dialects.
In a recent study, Khalifa et al. (2016) found that culturally responsive school leadership emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and integrating cultural diversity within educational settings to create inclusive learning environments. When the curriculum fails to reflect students’ cultural backgrounds, it can create a sense of loss. The school’s decision that modifies its teaching approach aligns with culturally responsive pedagogy, because it acknowledged the significance of dialects and adapted instruction to be more inclusive.
For myself, I believe that being culturally responsive means putting diversity in the learning environment and ensuring that all students feel valued. If I were an educator or teacher in the future, I would make an effort to incorporate students’ cultural backgrounds into my teaching. No matter allow discussions in multiple languages, or adapt teaching methods to different learning styles. As a learner, being culturally responsive means advocating for an inclusive education that respects their tradition. My experience taught me that education should empower students by respecting and understanding their own original culture.
References
Khalifa, M. A., Gooden, M. A., & Davis, J. E. (2016). Culturally responsive school leadership: A synthesis of the literature. Review of educational research, 86(4), 1272-1311. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654316630383
I have observed that China’s education system is gradually shifting from teacher-centric to student-centric, which I see as a sign of progress. Cultural tolerance seems to have improved compared to my time, and the government is actively encouraging students to explore local traditions and heritage. However, I wonder if this shift is happening uniformly across the country or if it is largely confined to urban areas. While it is valuable for a country to recognize the importance of its own culture, there is always a delicate balance between cultural preservation and openness to the outside world. Does the emphasis on local culture enhance students’ global perspectives? Or will it inadvertently lead to cultural narrow-mindedness? Some countries have successfully combined multicultural education with national identity, and perhaps China can learn from these models. Another aspect to consider is whether this educational transformation is happening at a deep level. Are teachers really embracing a student-centered mindset, or is this just a superficial policy change? Are students really encouraged to think independently, or do traditional authorities still dominate the classroom? These questions highlight the complexity of education reform, so it’s critical to look not only at policies, but also at their actual impact on students and teachers
Hi Kerui Wu,
I agree with you that culturally responsive education plays a vital role in making students feel valued and included. Your experience with dialect instruction is a good example of how schools can adapt to support students’ cultural identities. Thank you for sharing your story, it really highlights the significance of acknowledging linguistic diversity in education. I also appreciate your perspective on incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds into teaching. Allowing discussions in multiple languages and adapting to different learning styles are powerful ways to foster inclusivity. Your reflection shows a deep understanding of how education should empower students rather than diminish their identities. Thank you for your thoughtful insights! Your commitment to culturally responsive teaching will make a meaningful impact on students’ learning experiences and overall sense of belonging.
Your blog discuesses the importance of language for culture. Making space for students to study their own language is crucial to creating a culturally responsive classroom.