-
Title
-
Teaching Health with Students' Lives in Mind: A Study of Culturally Responsive Teaching
-
Creator
-
Anya L. Mariante
-
Degree Name
-
Master of Arts in Teaching (initial licensure)
-
Project Type
-
action_research_project
-
Date
-
6/12/2026
-
Abstract
-
This action research project examined how culturally responsive teaching practices influenced student engagement and participation during a secondary health education mental health unit at North Salem High School in Salem, Oregon. The study explored the question: Does the use of culturally responsive teaching strategies during a secondary health education mental health unit increase engagement and participation among culturally and religiously diverse students? Grounded in culturally responsive teaching, engaged pedagogy, and problem-posing education, the study focused on creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment while teaching topics related to depression, suicide prevention, stress, and self-care. Using Sagor’s (2000) action research framework, qualitative data were collected through lesson plans, teacher reflection journals, classroom observations, assessments, exit tickets, and feedback from a clinical teacher and field supervisor. A pre-assessment was also administered to assess students’ prior knowledge and attitudes regarding mental health topics. Data were analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis to identify patterns related to engagement and participation. Three major themes emerged from the findings: teacher vulnerability and authenticity, culturally relevant content, and opportunities for application and student voice. Findings indicated that culturally responsive teaching practices positively supported student engagement and participation during sensitive health education topics. The study highlights the importance of relationship-building, relevance, and student-centered instruction in secondary health education.
-
Keywords
-
culturally responsive teaching
-
health education
-
mental health education
-
Committee Member
-
Coley Lehman
-
MaLeah Haugen
-
Rights
-
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 07/27/2026, 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.
-
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
-
Language
-
eng
-
Type
-
text
-
Image;StillImage
-
data
