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The Ontario Ministry of Education defines Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP) as an inclusive approach to education where all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment. All students learn differently and these differences may be connected to background, language, family structure, and social or cultural identity. Culturally responsive teaching (Gay, 2010) acknowledges the legitimacy of the cultural heritages of different ethnic groups and builds bridges of meaningfulness between home and school experiences. CRRP allows all students to feel engaged and empowered by their learning experiences and teaches students to better understand and celebrate their cultural heritage.
What is Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy?
Culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy has the following characteristics:
- It acknowledges the legitimacy of the cultural heritages of different ethnic groups
- It builds bridges of meaningfulness between home and school experiences
- It uses a wide variety of instructional strategies
- It teaches students to understand and celebrate their cultural heritage
- It incorporates multicultural information, resources, and material
Note: the above has been adapted from Cultural Competence NOW by Vernita Mayfield.
Why Does Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy Matter?
If the goal is to ensure more equitable outcomes for all students, then it is important to embed student identity and specific pedagogical needs into teaching practice. Following this approach, educators can help celebrate diversity in a more meaningful way, promote inclusive education, and be allies in identifying and eliminating barriers for students. Every student must be fully supported and inspired to succeed.