Culturally and linguistically responsive teaching

Culturally and linguistically responsive teaching (CLRT) principles emphasize validating and valuing students’ cultural and linguistic heritage and creating positive and nurturing learning environments so that learning is more effective. Amplify Science’s engaging projects, hands-on and interactive experiences, collaborative learning experiences, and frequent student-to-student discussions provide opportunities for all voices to be included. Students are encouraged to express themselves using the language in which they are most comfortable, while also adding science disciplinary language to their language repertoires. For example, during student-to-student discussions, teachers are encouraged to allow students to discuss their ideas frequently with a peer, as it simultaneously enables them to focus on learning science concepts and learn from their peers. Teachers are also encouraged to invite students to share ideas in their primary languages (if they wish) during discussions, which is validating for students and promotes extended science talk.

In addition to inclusive class and group work, throughout the program, students encounter ethnically diverse people in Amplify Science’s books, articles, and other learning materials, and are inspired by scientists and engineers from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds who represent diversity with respect to gender, sexuality, and disability.