Culturally sustaining pedagogy (CSP) is an educational approach designed to support the cultural and linguistic diversity of students within a learning environment. This pedagogical framework extends beyond merely acknowledging or incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds; it actively supports and sustains the cultural identities and practices of diverse student populations as integral elements of effective teaching and learning. Developed by scholar Django Paris, CSP builds upon and evolves from previous models like culturally relevant or responsive pedagogy. The concept of culturally sustaining pedagogy emerged in response to the increasingly multicultural and multilingual fabric of contemporary classrooms. In his seminal work, Paris critiques the traditional educational models for their tendency to view cultural diversity through a deficit lens or to aim at merely including or representing diverse cultural content. Instead, CSP insists on maintaining and perpetuating the cultural ways of knowing and being that students bring to their education.
Culturally sustaining pedagogy has some key principles:
- Cultural Validity and Vigor: CSP recognizes and values the cultural identities of students, viewing these identities as assets in the learning process. It promotes teaching strategies that are not only inclusive but also affirming of students’ cultural backgrounds.
- Dynamic Approach: Understanding that cultures are fluid and constantly evolving, CSP advocates for educational practices that adapt to and reflect the changing nature of student communities. This dynamic approach ensures that education remains relevant and resonant with the lived experiences of students.
- Equity and Access: Central to CSP is the commitment to challenge systemic inequalities in education. It strives to dismantle barriers to academic success for students from historically marginalized communities, advocating for equitable access to educational resources and opportunities.
- Critical Consciousness: Teachers and students are encouraged to critically examine the social, cultural, and political contexts of their educational experiences. This involves questioning power dynamics and structures within education systems that may perpetuate disparities.
While culturally sustaining pedagogy offers a robust framework for inclusivity and diversity in education, it is not without challenges. Implementing CSP requires significant shifts in teacher training, curriculum development, and school policies. Educators must be adept at recognizing and navigating cultural nuances, which demands ongoing professional development and support. Critics of CSP sometimes argue that its focus on sustaining cultural identities might overlook the need for students to acquire certain dominant cultural competencies that are critical for success in broader societal contexts. However, proponents of CSP contend that this approach does not reject the acquisition of dominant cultural knowledge but rather seeks to balance it with a deep respect and incorporation of students’ original cultural contexts.
Very important findings: the community participation is very important part in informal education!!!!
