Developing Sixth Graders’ Cultural Competence Across the Curriculum: A Collaborative Redesign Process

Document Type

Conference Paper

Journal/Book Title/Conference

International Conference of the Learning Sciences

Volume

3

Publisher

International Society of the Learning Sciences

Location

Nashville, TN

Publication Date

6-1-2020

First Page

1625

Last Page

1628

Abstract

This paper shares our in-progress collaborative process of redesigning sixth grade curriculum to develop sixth graders’ cultural competence by shifting from disciplinary-bounded knowledge to culturally-bounded knowledge. As a team of researchers, designers, and educators, we seek to connect students with diverse cultural perspectives across social studies, science, math, and language arts. The redesign focuses on curricula connected to the River Trip Field Experience, a five-day rafting trip on a river that functions as a natural border with tribal lands. Taking a design-based implementation research approach, we iteratively design, implement, and evaluate culturally-centered lessons throughout the year. In this paper, we specifically present our collaborative design and implementation decisions for one shared goal: building students’ cultural awareness of others. Findings elucidate the complexities and tensions of centering culture as a critical aspect of learning in K-12 schooling.

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