Meeting students where they are is essential. Each student in class brings a different fund of knowledge with them. Deliberate and intentional teaching that promotes interaction and collaboration while recognizing each student’s unique fund of knowledge will create a learning environment that is more culturally relevant.

By embracing the core components of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the strategies of Universal Design for Learning, teaching and learning will improve. This 20-Minute Mentor is a practical guide to implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching, which is something that many educators know that they should do, but they may not know how to do it. This 20-Minute Mentor also helps educators examine their own biases which may unintentionally interfere with providing the best learning experience for all students.

Learning Goals

After viewing this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, participants will be able to:

• Identify and implement methods to increase student success in the classroom
• Embrace diversity by recognizing students’ strengths and adapting instruction, classroom design, and materials based on students’ prior knowledge and current needs

Topics Covered

• Five core elements of Culturally Responsive Teaching and practical suggestions to integrate these into the classroom
• Seven areas where Universal Design for Learning connects to Culturally Responsive Teaching and practical methods to implement changes that address the needs of students in the classroom