What is culturally relevant learning?

Culturally relevant learning is an approach that acknowledges and incorporates students' backgrounds, experiences, and cultural contexts into the educational process. This method emphasizes the importance of connecting academic content with students' real-world lives, making learning more meaningful and applicable. By including real-world experiences, educators can foster engagement, enhance understanding, and promote a sense of belonging among students.

This approach contrasts sharply with the other choices. Ignoring students' backgrounds can lead to disconnection from the material, while solely relying on traditional teaching methods may not cater to the diverse needs and experiences of all students. Similarly, conducting classroom activities without considering student diversity overlooks the richness that different perspectives bring to learning, ultimately diminishing the educational experience. Therefore, the choice that best defines culturally relevant learning is the one that emphasizes educational design that incorporates students' real-world experiences.