Applying Learning Theories to Cultural Differences

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Program Title (as applicable): Principles of Teaching

  Course Title: Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction

  Course Number: 8909030

  Career Cluster: Education and Training

  CIP Number: 0713129900

  • 20.02 Discuss multiple cultural, ethnic and racial belief systems that relate to student learning.
  • 20.03 Apply various theories of learning when appropriate.

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson could be taught in a unit focused on personal and widely accepted researched belief systems as they relate to education. This would be the third lesson in the unit focused on applying previous knowledge of learning theories and cultural differences to real-world classroom scenarios. Students will gain theoretical experience of how to create inclusive and effective learning environments that can be applied in a practical setting.

• Career Connection

  
  

  Students will explore scenarios where cultural differences are evident (stereotypes and bias, varied learning styles, and language barriers) and discuss the implications for teaching and learning. Students will also suggest how the teacher can use specific learning theories to support students’ unique needs and approach these differences in a classroom setting in order to create an inclusive and effective learning environment. Knowledge gained by completing this lesson can translate into more effective teaching practices and better awareness of how cultural differences may present themselves in learning environments.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • Identify and describe cultural differences in a classroom setting
  • Explain how learning theories inform teaching to address cultural differences
  • Describe instructional strategies that can be used to simultaneously support student learning and respect cultural differences

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be familiar with:

  • Explaining how cultural belief systems can shape an individual’s approach to learning
  • Various instructional strategies used in a K-12 educational setting
  • Various theories of learning (cognitivism, constructivism, behaviorism, humanism, and connectivism)

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • How do various theories of learning inform teaching and learning?
  • Why is acknowledging cultural differences important in teaching and learning?

• Procedure

  
  

  1. To introduce the lesson, create a Venn diagram with two overlapping circles: one representing learning theories and the other representing cultural diversity. Ask students to consider the intersections and connections between these two concepts. Pose the question “How might learning theories need to be adapted or customized in culturally diverse classrooms?”.

  • Allow students time to think about the Venn diagram and the question before sharing responses with the class.

  2. Divide the class into small groups (at least 5 groups) and assign each group a specific learning theory (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, humanism, or connectivism). Depending on class and group size, some groups may be assigned the same learning theory. Groups should discuss how their assigned theory aligns with or might need adjustment when applied in a culturally diverse educational setting.

  • The Theory-Culture Match Discussion attachment includes specific questions for each learning theory (group) to consider. These questions can be displayed on the board or printed out and given to students to reference and/or provide a written response.
  • While students are working, visit each group to monitor progress, assess the reasonableness of answers to questions based on their assigned theory, address misconceptions, and answer questions students may have.

  3. Pass out a Culturally Diverse Classroom Scenarios handout to each student. Explain to students that they will work with their group to analyze scenarios and propose theory-based strategies to address these challenges.

  • Students can pick 1 scenario to address, the teacher can assign each group a specific scenario, or students can complete all 3 (as time allows).
  • Students should use their previously assigned learning theory to complete this activity.
  • Once students finish, lead a whole group discussion where each group shares their insights on how their assigned theory can be applied effectively while considering cultural diversity. As a class, analyze the proposed strategies for the scenarios, discussing potential limitations of each approach.

  4. To bring the lesson to a close, have students take the role of the student in the scenario they analyzed. Students should write a journal entry detailing how they (the student in the scenario) felt after participating in the lesson with the proposed theory-based strategy.

• Teacher Notes

  
  
  • The case studies do not include a specific grade level. Students can assume a grade level based on their interests or the teacher can suggest grade levels so that students choose grade-level appropriate instructional strategies to address the cultural differences.

• Optional

  
  

  Extension Ideas:

  • To gain a better understanding of differences between grade bands, students can propose solutions for each grade band: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 and discuss how the grade level coupled with the cultural difference impacts teaching and learning.
  • Students can create a lesson plan using their theory-based strategies.
  • Groups who completed the same case study can compare strategies to determine when certain learning theories may be a better fit to address various challenges (cultural, academic, behavioral, etc.) in educational settings.