Cultural Competence in the Classroom
Nikhil Goyal is a successful high school student who, like many students his age, hates school. But unlike most students his age, Nikhil wrote a speech about it and delivered it to a global audience via a TEDX Youth (2012) presentation. The central theme of the presentation is relevance and, specifically, how schools often lack relevance to the lives of their learners. The majority of Nikhil's story focuses on Nick Perez, a boy who was marginalized in school and medicated to be able to adhere to the parameters of thought and behavior expected for participation in the school. As you view the presentation, you will learn how Nick became disillusioned by the lack of relevancy and interest in his studies and how his disenfranchisement eventually led him to drop out of school.
In this assignment, you will reflect on the story of Nick Perez and analyze it based on what might have happened differently if Nick's education targeted the learning of 21st century skills through culturally relevant learning opportunities. Additionally, you will recommend a culturally relevant learning experience that might have been able to meet Nick's needs in high school. Review the Instructor Guidance for this week for additional information and use the Ladson-Billing (1995) resource and Chapter 4 of Wardle (2013) to define a culturally relevant learning experience; apply this framework to the creation of solutions. Then, create your formal written assignment to meet the content and written communication expectations stated below.
Content Expectations
Video Analysi: Address the following three guiding statements:
According to Nick, "I was denied the right to exist normally. My school had wasted my time until there was no time left". Based on the information presented in the video, describe the learning experiences and cultural competencies that you believe were valued at Nick's school. Then, using Nick's interest in computers as a form of his cultural identity, describe cultural competencies and learning experiences that would be most applicable and interesting to Nick (think about the way that he described his life at home and at computer camp).
Examine the 4C skills (a) creativity and innovation, (b) critical thinking and problem solving, and (c) communication and (d) collaboration that are presented in Learning and Innovations Skills. Determine which of these skills you perceive are most likely relevant to Nick's current position as a programmer in an advertising firm and which of these skills you perceive are not adequately addressed in typical classroom environments today.
Explain how the acquisition of learning and innovation skills through culturally relevant learning opportunities can lead to greater student success in the classroom and in the real world.