Improving culturally responsive teaching through professional learning communities: A qualitative study in Dutch pre-vocational schools. (2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alhanachi, Sabrina; de Meijer, Lonneke A.L.; Severiens, Sabine E.
• Is Part Of: International journal of educational research. Volume 105(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021
• Subjects: Culturally responsive teaching -- Professional development -- Professional learning community; Education -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Curriculum evaluation -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Program Evaluation -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Évaluation -- Périodiques; Programmes d'études -- Evaluation -- Périodiques; Éducation -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Curriculum evaluation; Education -- Evaluation; Periodicals; 370.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101698
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0355

Abstract

Highlights: Participation in a stable within-school PLC on CRT fosters collaboration between teachers. Participating in a stable within-school PLC contributes to changes in culturally responsive competences. To apply culturally responsive competences in the classroom, teachers need prior knowledge on CRT. To apply culturally responsive competences in the classroom, teachers need more time to prioritise CRT. Teachers need support from the management for more multidisciplinary collaboration in the school. Abstract: In this study, teachers participated in professional learning communities (PLCs) focusing on culturally responsive teaching. Twelve teachers were interviewed to gain more insight into how teachers participated in these PLCs and the extent to which participation impacted culturally responsive competences. The results showed that participating in a PLC seems to result in joint work or shared practices . Moreover, it seems to change the attitude and beliefs of all teachers and the knowledge and skills of some teachers. To apply these competences in the classroom, teachers need more time and detailed information on how to improve teaching materials.