Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain

This workshop introduces educators to the foundational principles and practical application of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) through a neuroscience lens. Participants explore how culture shapes learning and how educators can harness this understanding to build strong student relationships, cultivate trust, and promote cognitive development. Grounded in the work of Zaretta Hammond, the session focuses on addressing inequities, fostering independent learners, and using brain-based strategies that honor students' cultural identities. Educators are guided through a four-phase model to build students' intellectual capacity while creating inclusive, affirming classroom environments.

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• Systemic inequities that contribute to chronic underperformance among marginalized student groups.
  
  
• Overreliance on deficit-based instructional models that foster dependent learners.
  
  
• Lack of trust-based student-teacher relationships essential for deep cognitive engagement.
  
  
• Limited use of culturally relevant tools and strategies that align with how the brain learns best.
  

1. Build Learning Partnerships Rooted in Trust and Cultural Connection
   Educators will learn how to establish meaningful relationships by understanding and utilizing students’ cultural learning styles, triggers, and strengths. The workshop emphasizes the role of rapport and alliance in enabling students to feel psychologically safe and ready to engage in challenging academic work.
   
   
2. Use Brain-Based Strategies to Support Cognitive Development
   Participants will explore the “Ignite, Chunk, Chew, and Review” framework to deliver instruction that aligns with how the brain processes information. These stages incorporate culturally responsive practices such as storytelling, mnemonic devices, structured dialogue, and opportunities for real-world application to promote active learning and information retention.
   
   
3. Shift Mindsets to Foster Student Agency and Self-Efficacy
   The workshop trains educators to dismantle deficit thinking and instead affirm students’ identities as capable learners. Through feedback models like “Wise Feedback” and daily opportunities for metacognition, educators support students in seeing mistakes as learning tools and build their capacity to navigate complex tasks independently