Practicing Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Physical Education

Shawna Young¹, Brandon M. Sternod²
(1. Department of Kinesiology, California State University Stanislaus, USA;
2. Division of Education, Lewis-Clark State College, USA)

Abstract: As a result of continuous global immigration to the United States, several microcultures coexist within the country. Today’s classroom should provide an interface where individuals from different cultural backgrounds have the potential for sharing a rich place of learning–a place where the teacher embraces and celebrates individual differences, fosters the development of positive self-concepts, provides meaningful and relevant learning experiences, and insists on high expectations for everyone. Facilitating this kind of learning environment is the result of practicing culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP). A culturally responsive teacher acts on knowledge about cultural differences, and implements, as habit, pedagogical skills that foster a meaningful and relevant education for all of her/his learners. The call for cultural responsiveness extends to all dimensions of the school experience, including physical education. Physical education presents unique needs and opportunities to practice cultural responsiveness. Presented here are principles of culturally responsive teaching, applied through the lens of physical education.

Key words: culturally responsive pedagogy; culturally responsive teacher; physical education