View or share this material on a Google Doc: Exploring Multiple Perspectives
Objective
To synthesize strategies for creating a remote and hybrid classroom where all learners can share and understand multiple perspectives of one another’s life experiences.
The estimated time for this activity is 30–45 minutes.
Stop & Think
Key: T — Teachers, SL — School Leaders, DL — District Leaders)
On page 23 of the NYSED’s Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework, a student expectation bullet states: “identify gaps where the current curriculum does not address multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds. Advocate for fair representation of these absent perspectives.”
In this Edutopia video, Making Space For Your Students Perspectives, you will learn about the importance of creating a safe place where your students can share their experiences. In addition to being able to share their own stories, your remote and hybrid students should also be in an environment where they can listen to and empathize with their peers.
Making Space For Your Students Perspectives
- How might you translate the messages here to a remote/hybrid learning environment? (T, SL)
- How can you curate a community of listening and empathy for your colleagues and students in a remote/hybrid learning environment? (T, SL, DL)
- What are some ways you can create a safe space for your remote and hybrid students to share their own experiences and perspectives? (T)
- What are some examples of academic assignments related to your content area that can draw on your students’ real-life experiences? (T)
- What are your students’ experiences with authority? How do they relate and differ from one another? How do these similarities and differences affect your remote and hybrid learning environment? (T, SL)
Collaborate
- As a PLC, complete the following steps in pairs:
- Research a cultural celebration other than your own.
- Compare and contrast this with a personal cultural or family celebration of your own. Feel free to use Venn diagrams, T-charts, color coding, or foldables.
Share your responses with one another. - Reflection: What was it like to learn about a tradition that is foreign to you? How has learning about and comparing your own cultural celebrations helped your understanding of multiple perspectives? How do you think understanding multiple perspectives can curate a safe and culturally responsive remote and hybrid classroom environment?
Brainstorm & Design
Reflect on your students’ academic performance and behavior. Ask yourself when students perform their best and when they perform their worst. Are there any patterns you observe in student performance? Brainstorm at least five steps you can take to increase opportunities for building student voice and choice in your remote and hybrid learning environment.