Critical Pedagogy & Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: An Introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of two pedagogies that both work toward the conscientization of students: critical pedagogy and culturally responsive pedagogy. It begins with critical pedagogy, providing a foundational definition and concise review of its epistemological roots and explaining key theoretical frameworks that inform the pedagogy. It also discusses key considerations for enacting critical pedagogy. Next, attention turns to culturally relevant pedagogy, providing both a foundational definition and a review of what it looks like in practice. The application of culturally relevant pedagogy in terms of both the values and beliefs teachers should cultivate, and what teachers can do in the classroom to support their students' academic achievement, cultural competence, and conscientization is offered. The chapter closes by noting a recent ideological shift from culturally responsive to culturally sustaining pedagogy that is meant to fine-tune and amplify rather than erase the classroom practices discussed here.