Assignment task:
Revise part A to explain how caregivers could be involved in the execution of the identified strategies from part B below.
A. My engagement and execution of strategies with student caregivers would be to encourage creating home visits as a part of school culture. Setting specific times during the year for visits, and creating a system where grade-level or subject teams divide up the visits to keep it manageable. Allowing families to meet in a neutral zone like a coffee shop, school performance/presentation, lunch, or holiday recognition. These visits should not focus on grades or behavior but on getting to know the family and sharing how teachers have seen their students shine in their classes. Students and families will feel engaged, welcomed, and connected to their school as the teacher takes the time to meet them and understand more about their lives. Sustaining a strong connection between school and home as students get older is worth the extra time and effort to boost student achievement and positive academic success.
B. Two takeaway culturally sustaining pedagogy strategies:
The teachers arrange the learning environment to allow students to communicate effectively with each other. An example of this that I would incorporate into my classroom would be to arrange students into two peer groups. One group engages in peer discussion and collaboration, while the other group observes and takes notes. The observation group shares their notes and questions with the discussion/collaboration group as the teacher provides support and feedback. Students will have the opportunity to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the content. Additionally, it teaches students how to use their strengths and points of view to contribute.
Including the teacher in the key learning concepts that the students are going through. An example of this would be implementing constructivist teaching strategies helping students comprehend and understand the content rather than passively ingesting content. Focusing more on how the student learns.
Identifying and collaboratively engaging students in activities and exercises so they can get ideas from different cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and viewpoints.