Addressing Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Indian Schools

Students' differences in culture and language predispose them to different communication practices and even different test-taking skills. In a culturally responsive classroom, effective teaching and learning occur in a culturally supported, learner-centered context, whereby the strengths students bring to school are identified, nurtured, and utilized to promote student achievement. This creates an environment of acceptance and respect for the students' ethnic background and fosters development of ethnic identity. The purpose of education is to enable learners of all demographics to participate successfully in the modem economy and society. It is essential that children are given the best educational experience possible based on sound educational theory and practice. This paper seeks to provide a framework within which teachers and schools can choose and plan experiences that they think children should have.