| Abstract | Recent efforts to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines necessitate the development of suitable curriculum for diverse students by teacher training programs. Unfortunately, the richness that diversity will bring to these academic areas will likely be coupled with a strain on teaching and learning; resulting from the mixing of diverse cultures. This cultural diversity or cultural disequilibrium, as stated by Bergeron (2008), requires teacher training programs to incorporate the aspect of culture into its curriculum in an effort to enhance teaching and learning. One approach to combating cultural disequilibrium is the enactment of a culturally responsive curriculum. A culturally responsive curriculum creates entry of diverse cultural norms into the classroom thereby narrowing the gap of misunderstanding caused by a mismatch between home and school. A culturally responsive curriculum promotes and allows for diversity in teaching methods versus uniformity promoted by traditional curricula. It validates students and enables them to maintain their self esteem; increasing the likelihood of academic success. As stated by Menchaca (2001), a culturally responsive curriculum is one that allows students to learn from a familiar cultural base through which individuals can connect new knowledge to their own experiences. Various culturally responsive instructional methods are available for use in the classroom to include the utilization of communication that is culturally and ethnically congruent, inquiry science, experiential stories and group research. Incorporation of such teaching techniques into teacher training programs will aid in the immersion of culturally responsive instruction into STEM classrooms; ultimately enhancing student learning. Enabling and allowing students to learn in a manner more fitting to their cultural norms and experiences enhances learning and content retention. Under the broad approach of learning through diversity, the enactment of a culturally responsive curriculum is an effective approach for learning gains. |
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