Bring Real-World Issues into the Classroom

The previous installment of our series about culturally responsive teaching listed ideas for teachers and tutors to draw on learners’ cultures to shape curriculum and instruction. As we continue to explore each of the eight competencies of culturally responsive teaching outlined in New America’s culturally responsive teaching reflection guide, we’ll next look at bringing real-world issues into the classroom–something adult basic education (ABE) teachers and tutors are well-practiced at. Incorporating this aspect of culturally responsive teaching increases relevance, and therefore, student engagement, and it prepares learners to make changes in their communities. 

Educators who bring real-world issues into the classroom may do the following:

• They help learners see the connection between what they learn in class and their lives in the border world by asking questions like, “Does this information connect to an issue you care about?” and “What does this material have to do with your life?”
• Classroom activities guide learners in solving complex problems in the community, including ones regarding bias and discrimination.
• Educators who engage in this practice seek out and incorporate learner input when planning learning activities that can extend to the world outside the classroom.

#IamABE is a great resource for curriculum to help learners understand and use the first amendment and to refute stereotypes, actions related to this competency. Another good curriculum resource for this competency is The Change Agent, which contains stories of self-advocacy by adult basic education learners. Check with your site to see if they have a subscription, or utilize the free resources. 

Along with the actions above, educators who bring real-world issues into the classroom engage with some of the following questions through journaling and discussions with colleagues: 

1. How can our work in the classroom prepare learners to solve problems and change their lives for the better?
2. How do my classroom activities help learners feel empowered, become civically engaged and challenge the status quo?
3. What are my short- and long-term goals for developing this competency? What support do I need to continue this work? 

Bringing real-world issues into the classroom will increase relevance and engagement in learners, and may even change their lives. Take a step today to begin incorporating this competency into your work with learners!

For questions or comments about this tutor tip, contact Tutor Training Coordinator, Meghan Boyle at mboyle@literacymn.org. 

References

Muniz, J. (2021). Culturally Responsive Teaching: A Reflection Guide. Washington DC; New America.

Photo by Muhammad Renaldi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-young-people-talking-with-each-other-12388295/