CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING: FOSTERING INCLUSION AND CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Abstract

As perspectives on teaching and learning continue to evolve, traditional teaching methods increasingly struggle to meet the diverse needs of students. The 21st century educational landscape necessitates a revolutionary approach to teacher education that reflects the complexity of contemporary classrooms. This chapter explores the transformative power of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) in promoting inclusivity and fostering intercultural dialogue in contemporary classrooms. In a rapidly globalizing world, education must evolve to address the diverse needs of students from different cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds. CRT offers an inclusive framework for incorporating students' cultural identities into the learning process, enabling both educators and learners to engage in meaningful and empowering interactions. Drawing upon the foundational principles of CRT, this chapter examines how literature, language, and culture serve as critical tools for implementing culturally responsive pedagogy. The chapter outlines practical strategies for teachers, including creating inclusive curriculum, promoting multilingual practices, and encouraging critical thinking through multicultural literature.