Cultural Core/ Cultural Orientation/ Culturally Responsive Pedagogies in ICC (Student Experience Lens)

Theme Description:

Cultural orientation is the process of learning about the beliefs, values, and practices of another culture. It is an important part of preparing to teach students from diverse backgrounds. Cultural orientation can help teachers to be more inclusive and create spaces where all students learn to their potential. Understanding how to leverage cultural orientation to best meet the needs of students is an ongoing process. Cultural competences include having a grasp of how culture and identity shape the lens through which students experience the larger world around them, and therefore, the content and classroom experiences encountered during formal schooling. This theme explores the impact of teacher decisions and understanding of the importance of and nuances of cultural orientation in the classroom, and the impact on students who are not members of the dominant culture.

Leader Bio:

Dr. Adam Jordan is an Associate Professor of Special Education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on well-being in alternative schools. A first-generation college student from rural north Georgia, his teaching, research, and service are all focused on the inclusion of traditionally marginalized populations, a commitment to a Better South, and reconceptualization of risk narratives.

Dr. Adam Jordan

Tools for Educators

Cultural Core/ Cultural Orientation/ Culturally Responsive Pedagogies in ICC (Student Experience Lens)

Tools for Educators:

TookKit Template

Resources for Educators:

Further Reading:

Appiah, A. (2019). The lies that bind rethinking identity, creed, country, color, class, culture. Liveright Publishing Corporation.
Cross, W. E., Jr. (1991). Shades of black: Diversity in African American identity. In R. J. Taylor, J. S. Jackson, & L. M. Chatters (Eds.), Minority group identity in the United States: Implications for research and practice. University of Michigan Press.
Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Gilbert, K. & Rosinski, P. (2008) Accessing cultural orientations: the online Cultural Orientations Framework Assessment as a tool for coaching, Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 1:1, 81-92, DOI: 10.1080/17521880701878018
Nieto, S. (2010). The light in their eyes: Creating multicultural learning communities. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Villegas, A. M., & Lucas, T. (2002). Educating culturally responsive teachers: A critical perspective. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

Other Resources:

Empowering Educators Through Cultural Competence