Decolonizing Education: Building Inclusive Classrooms for Diverse Learners ( Summer Series 24')

Decolonizing education empowers diverse voices by integrating cultures, histories, and perspectives into classrooms. Challenging dominant narratives, fosters inclusivity, validates student identities, and promotes equity. Embracing diversity in teaching practices ensures that every student is reflected in the curriculum, creating a more just and transformative educational experience for all.   In this episode, we are joined by Joel, director of DEIJ at ISS; MaryAnn DeRosa, a professor and curriculum designer for culturally and diverse learners at Relay Graduate School of Education; and Omar Rashid, a teacher and assistant director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.   We discuss the importance of integrating diverse cultural perspectives into educational curriculums. Highlighting how failing to do so invalidates student identities, they emphasize the beauty of exposing students to diverse perspectives, fostering bi-cultural competence, and empowering them to be agents of change. They shared practical strategies for inclusive teaching, such as auditing curriculums to identify gaps, incorporating student voices and experiences, and celebrating cultural diversity in schools. We also explained the complexities of decolonizing curriculums, acknowledging the challenges of dismantling dominant narratives and ensuring a more inclusive and reflective educational environment. Tune in to learn more!   Timestamps [02:11]  Joel, Omar, and MaryAnn's background information [04:35]  Why is it essential to represent diverse cultural histories? [07:38]  Advice on integrating diverse cultural perspectives into existing curriculum [12:40]  Strategies schools implement to decolonize the curriculum and address biases [19:45]  Specific examples of inclusive teaching practices that highlight diverse histories and narratives [25:16]  Resource allocation for implementing an inclusive curriculum [30:04]  Best practice outlines for fostering cultural understanding within a curriculum [32:38]  Why are promising practices not being correctly implemented and measured [39:50]  Impacts of inclusive curriculum on student engagement and learning outcomes [41:35]  Measurable ways to access the progress of inclusive curriculum implementation [45:53]  Final advice, lasting words, and contact details for further questions Notable quotes ●      "Education is a practice of freedom, and education can be used as a tool for liberation, and as a tool for socialization.” ●      “Education has to reflect the world we are living in and not just a narrow vision of a few foxes or people.” ●      “Practice builds confidence.” Connect with Joel, Omar, MaryAnn and Darnell: ●      Joel Jr Llaban: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeljrllaban/ ●      Omar Rashid: Linkedin Omar Rashid ●      MaryAnn DeRosa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-derosa/ ●      Dr. Darnell Fine: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darnell-fine-b54a8062/ Connect With Dana Specker Watts  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/teachwatts⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Mike LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/⁠⁠ More Resources David Stroupe’s  “⁠Growing & Sustaining Student Centred Science Classrooms⁠” Book Carol Ann Tomlinson’s “⁠What No One Told Me About "Classroom Management" as a New Teacher⁠” Article Edutopia’s ⁠How to Set Up a Learner-Centered Classroom⁠ Video Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more. Sign up for Moreland University to elevate your career as an educator at www.moreland.edu Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org Check out inspirecitizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org The ISS EDUlearn® Passport is the ultimate subscription for your PD. Try it out now: ⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/gqytehA3⁠