i'm currently teaching a science program administered through the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley. what impressed me with it was the creative freedom i was given to teach; not only utilizing the program curriculum but integrating that with art. i did some research and got a used copy of Science Arts: Discovering Science Through Art Experiences. this is essentially my bible these days. i can't hype this book enough for anyone interested, especially parents of middle school or jr. high kids. the projects are so fierce!
the ebays program is also lead by a brother, a rastaman, which blew my mind. for real?! dude is a scientist, educator, and administrator in a leadership role? this is a whole new flavor at the table and something i could actively participate in. his teaching philosophy is built on constructivism that is culturally relevant:
Constructivism is a psychological theory of knowledge epistemology, which argues that humans construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences.
The importance of the background and culture of the learner
Social constructivism encourages the learner to arrive at his or her own version of the truth, influenced by his or her background, culture or embedded worldview. Historical developments and symbol systems, such as language, logic, and mathematical systems, are inherited by the learner as a member of a particular culture and these are learned throughout the learner's life. This also stresses the importance of the nature of the learner's social interaction with knowledgeable members of the society.
Without the social interaction with other more knowledgeable people, it is impossible to acquire social meaning of important symbol systems and learn how to utilize them. Young children develop their thinking abilities by interacting with other children, adults and the physical world. From the social constructivist viewpoint, it is thus important to take into account the background and culture of the learner throughout the learning process, as this background also helps to shape the knowledge and truth that the learner creates, discovers and attains in the learning process (Wertsch 1997).
ya feel me?
i work at a school site in the Iron Triangle of Richmond, CA. this area is notorious for being the heart of the hood. it was named for the train tracks that inter-sect this area of the city. historically it was a predominately industrial working class black community, but has changed in the last 15 years to a ratio of 50/50 black and latino. it's relatively isolated from the wider community; far from freeways and bus lines. the percentage of white students at the school site is 1%. 98% speak spanish as a first language or at home.
my motivation is that i feel a responsibility to the youth in my community. i see them in myself and they see themselves in me. i want to support them to think individually, to be self-reliant, to be adventurous, and see limitless possibility in what they can achieve. teaching in these environments can sometimes be chaotic and challenging, but it's never dull and i never fail to be inspired by the youth.
i can be tough, but always with love and support. these are kids who encounter cops on a regular basis; when nothing is going on; cops are just present. their homes and neighborhoods are full of static, limited resources, family and financial stresses. i grew up just in a situation like that and it is a difficult reality for a child to develop in. my intent is to bring balance to their lives on some level. education is freedom and no one owes that to you, you owe it to yourself.
How Important is Cultural Diversity?
by Lisa Rosenthal
greatschools.net
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