An Investigation On The Effects Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy On Low-Income Rural Students In The Science Classroom

Item

Media
JesseMcMillin_ARP_2024.pdf
Title
An Investigation On The Effects Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy On Low-Income Rural Students In The Science Classroom
Creator
Jesse McMillin
Degree Name
action_research
Master of Arts in Teaching (initial licensure)
Project Type
action_research
Date
12/1/2023
Abstract
This action research investigates the effects of Gloria Ladson-Billings’ Culturally
Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) framework on the academic outcomes of low-income rural students in a science classroom. CRP is a conceptualization of teaching that emphasizes three major themes: the commitment to student academic growth, the development of students cultural competence, and the cultivation of critical sociopolitical awareness. Through a four-week unit on the Sun-Earth-Moon system, this research examines how integrating CRP principles can enhance student engagement, promote academic growth, and connect key subject matter to students’ lives. This research was conducted in a Title 1 rural middle school in a classroom of sixteen 8th-grade students of diverse backgrounds academic needs and backgrounds. Findings from this research suggest that culturally relevant teaching strategies, such as incorporating indigenous storytelling and multimodal learning activities, significantly improve students’ interest and understanding of key scientific concepts. This research highlights the importance of CRP in addressing the unique challenges faced by low-income students and provides insight into how this framework translates from urban settings into a rural context.
Keywords
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Science Teaching, Low-income Learners
Committee Member
Xiaopeng Gong
Tana Garcia
Rights
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/29/2024, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
License
CC-BY (attribution)
Language
English
Type
Text