My Future Classroom

What will culturally relevant pedagogy look, sound, and feel like in your future classroom?

Something I want to do in my future classroom is to have a corkboard that invites students to share how they say hello in their mother language if they have one. I feel like a class that is welcoming for students and invites them to share their culture means exceptionally well to students. Therefore, in the introductory course, I would like to ask the following questions to my students:

• What is your place of birth?
• What do you think is the purpose of schooling?
• What are you expecting to learn in this class?
• What is something I should know about you?
• Do you have a favourite motto in life?

These questions, in my opinion, promote students’ voices about the schooling they receive and their expectations from my future class. Students will feel that their thoughts are valued, respected, and affirmed for who they are and what they bring to the classroom. The questions are also challenging enough that it engages their critical thinking.

I also wish to have “fun facts” about scholars contributing to mathematics or art. I want it so that there is diversity among scholars. I want to label this side of the wall as “People that may inspire you.”

As a future mathematics teacher who wishes to integrate art into mathematics, it is essential for me to be able to engage students in mathematics. I could do this through classroom activities, think-pair-share, and individual remarks, so everyone’s voice is heard, even those who wish not to participate in class discussions. A culturally relevant pedagogy invites students to share their thoughts fully without the hesitation of being ridiculed and outcasted.

How will you, as a teacher, contribute to the sense of place for your future students?

As a teacher, I can contribute to the sense of place for my future students by having an inviting classroom where their opinions matter. Students should be able to feel safe and comfortable in school, even if they are learning a complex subject such as mathematics. As I stated earlier, I will decorate my future classroom where different scholars from diverse cultures could potentially inspire my students and a board where we recognize other languages. Unfortunately, as a future mathematics teacher, it is challenging to incorporate culture and diversity into the subject. An inspiration wall will help students get a sense of where they are inspired. Encouraging collaboration among students also promotes a sense of community within the classroom. Outside activities such as observing the different shapes that make up our surroundings help students to explore and appreciate the natural world around them. This activity allows students to develop a deeper understanding of their environment. Creating a positive, welcoming, and inclusive classroom where teachers encourage students to express themselves is what I want to have in my future classroom. Students can observe and connect with their surroundings, and we teachers contribute to their sense of place by promoting these aspects of a school.