EDUC 735 Culturally Responsive Teaching and Its Impact on Diverse Student
Populations NEW VERSION FOR YEAR 2025|026 Liberty University
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Its Impact on Diverse Student Populations
Olivia Jeffery
Liberty University
EDUC 735: Issues and Trends in Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Arnold
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Culturally Responsive Teaching and Its Impact on Diverse Student Populations
Abstract
The idea of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) forms the focus of this paper. It digs deeply
into its function in creating an environment in schools that is favorable to diverse learners.
Education's history is covered and current research is reviewed. In addition, biblical perspectives
are discussed that basically promote inclusion and equity. Traditionally, schools were used to
offering Eurocentric curricula. The curricula excluded diversity, resulting to minority students'
disengagement and disadvantage. As time passed, multicultural education and CRT were
developed as teachers realized a need to bring all cultures into the classroom. Current research
suggests that CRT increases student engagement, strengthens classroom relationships, and
increases academic achievement by affirming students' identities. However, challenges persist,
such as limited teacher preparation, low confidence level, and obstacles within online learning
settings. Biblical teachings on the concept of diversity, justice, and respect have been drawn
upon, which also mirror the principles of CRT. The paper concludes that CRT is imperative for
establishing fair, inclusive, and efficient classrooms for every learner.
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Introduction
Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) is a pedagogical approach that serves to honor and
incorporate learners’ cultural backgrounds. It gives a way for educators to connect lessons to real
lives. The approach renders learning no only meaningful but also just. In the contemporary
curricula setup, classrooms are composed of learners from not only varied cultures and languages
but also traditions. As cultural diversity remains overlooked, learners will always feel excluded
and their academic achievement is set be adversely affected. CRT emerged from the recognition
that traditional approaches celebrated a sole culture. Consequently, they left many learners
behind and disadvantaged. Woven into instruction, culture has the potential to make learners feel
valued. This paper examines the history of CRT and summarizes current research on CRT’s
effectiveness. It also integrates biblical scriptures about diversity and fairness. It will outline,
first, how education in the past had ignored cultural diversity, then demonstrate how CRT
evolved into teacher preparation and policy. Then, it will review studies that prove CRT to be
beneficial in learners’ engagement and achievement. The challenges faced by the teachers in
implementing CRT are also discussed. At this point, the paper will connect CRT to biblical
teachings on the issue of diversity, justice, and respect. It will conclude with reasons why the
approach does matter in the contemporary classrooms.
Historical Description
Early Steps in Education and Cultural Diversity
Long ago, schools exhibited the tendency of focusing their lessons on Europe. The
curriculum majorly highlighted European history, culture, and values. This means that they were
excluding other cultures from the classroom. learners from minority backgrounds often felt
unseen since their practices and learning styles were not recognized. This made many detached