CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING AS AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY IN EDUCATION: EXPERIENCE OF THE UKRAINIAN EDUCATOR IN THE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

In a globalized world, cultural diversity and identity have become defining issues that require attention and immediate response. The educational sphere is not an exception. Successful teaching in the modern classroom setting requires more than a proficiency in the field and/or skills to apply effective pedagogical techniques. A successful 21st century teacher needs to be socio-culturally conscious, willing and capable to relate to their students and build trusting relationships, especially in culturally, socially, demographically diverse classrooms. This article profiles the culturally responsive teaching model through the lens of an immigrant’s experience as an educator in the USA. The research focus covers four motivational conditions (establishing inclusion; developing positive attitude; enhancing meaning; engendering competence) that can spark inquiry in learning. Analyzing Dr. R. Wlodkowski’s “Motivational Framework” used as a teaching strategy in the classroom, the author of the article highlights its impact on students’ intrinsic motivation. A favorable learning environment that boosts motivation should contain following elements: students feel connected and respected, relate to their personal experience, voice, choice, cultural values, as well as understand and correlate their learning with their goals. In addition, an observation is made that a personal story of immigration enhanced senses of students’ equity and solidarity based on cultural diversity. The author of the article suggests that through personal narrative, the educator’s identity can be a powerful tool to motivate a diverse student population.