Multilingual students face unique challenges in the classroom, as they navigate not only the complexities of learning a new language, but also the cultural differences that come with it. As a veteran educator in North Carolina, Terri Ashchi has seen firsthand the struggles that these students face and the impact that culturally relevant teaching materials can have on their academic success.
In today’s diverse classrooms, it is essential for educators to recognize and embrace the cultural backgrounds of their students. This is especially true for multilingual students, who often come from different countries, speak different languages, and have different cultural norms and values. As such, it is crucial for teachers to incorporate culturally relevant materials into their curriculum in order to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for these students.
According to Ashchi, who has been teaching for over 20 years, multilingual students are more likely to read and comprehend when they are presented with materials that are culturally relevant to them. This means incorporating texts, images, and activities that reflect their cultural backgrounds and experiences. By doing so, teachers can help these students feel more connected to the material and increase their motivation to learn.
One of the key benefits of using culturally relevant materials is that it helps to bridge the gap between the students’ home culture and the culture of the classroom. For many multilingual students, the classroom can feel like a foreign and unfamiliar place, making it difficult for them to fully engage in the learning process. By incorporating their cultural backgrounds into the curriculum, teachers can create a sense of familiarity and comfort for these students, making it easier for them to connect with the material and participate in class discussions.
Furthermore, culturally relevant materials can also help to improve the overall academic performance of multilingual students. When students see themselves and their culture represented in the curriculum, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and value in the classroom. This, in turn, can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence, which are essential for academic success. As Ashchi notes, “When students feel seen and heard, they are more motivated to learn and excel in their studies.”
In addition to academic benefits, using culturally relevant materials can also promote cultural understanding and respect among students. By exposing students to different cultures and perspectives, teachers can foster a more inclusive and accepting classroom environment. This not only benefits multilingual students but also their monolingual peers, who can learn from and appreciate the diversity within their classroom.
However, incorporating culturally relevant materials into the curriculum is not without its challenges. It requires teachers to be knowledgeable and sensitive to the cultural backgrounds of their students, as well as to continuously seek out and incorporate diverse materials. It also requires schools and districts to provide resources and support for teachers to do so effectively.
But the benefits far outweigh the challenges. As Ashchi notes, “When we make the effort to understand and embrace our students’ cultures, we are not only helping them succeed academically, but we are also creating a more inclusive and accepting society.”
In order to effectively incorporate culturally relevant materials, Ashchi suggests that teachers start by getting to know their students and their cultural backgrounds. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or simply by having open discussions with students. Teachers can also seek out resources and materials from diverse sources, such as books, articles, and online platforms.
Furthermore, Ashchi emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development for teachers to continuously improve their understanding and use of culturally relevant materials. This can include workshops, conferences, and collaboration with other educators.
In conclusion, the impact of culturally relevant materials on the academic success of multilingual students cannot be underestimated. As Terri Ashchi has shown through her years of experience, when students feel seen and valued in the classroom, they are more likely to excel in their studies. By incorporating their cultural backgrounds into the curriculum, teachers can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students, leading to improved academic performance and a more culturally aware society. Let us all follow Ashchi’s lead and strive to make our classrooms more culturally relevant and inclusive for the benefit of our multilingual students.
