Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Incorporating culturally responsive practices into biology laboratory courses
    

Anna J. Zelaya, Ania A. Majewska, and Ethell Vereen

Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2025, Volume 45

https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v45.art21

Abstract

now more than ever, the need for inclusive teaching practices in STEM is critical for achieving and sustaining a diverse workforce that can address the complex challenges of the 21st century. Despite genuine efforts, people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ persons, and those representing other marginalized identities continue to face persistent obstacles that hinder their full participation and achievement in STEM fields. A promising approach to improve the existing conditions for those from marginalized identities is culturally responsive pedagogy, an inclusive instructional framework that honors and validates the student?s cultural heritage and social identity while linking instruction to socio-political realities. Research in K-12 shows that a culturally responsive curriculum and instruction increase engagement, enhance learning, and improve student outcomes, motivation, confidence, and sense of belonging. However, implementation of culturally responsive teaching in undergraduate education is less commonly implemented. In this major workshop, we will discuss strategies that instructors can use to incorporate culturally responsive teaching in their laboratory classrooms. Published practices for culturally responsive assessment will also be provided and discussed. Participants will reflect on their current teaching practices and identify areas where they may implement CRT practices. By the end of the workshop, participants will have an enhanced understanding of what culturally responsive teaching

Keywords:  Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, First Generation Students, Inclusive Teaching, DEI

University of Maryland (2024)