Creating learning experiences and environments where all students feel valued, understood, and empowered is imperative to supporting the wholistic well-being and well-becoming of all children and youth.
"Imagine if all students experienced physical education in an inclusive way, where oppression and privilege did not exist." - Margaret Hemstrought, Ed.D.
Unintentionally, traditional approaches to teaching physical and health education (PHE) may uphold systems of privilege and exclusion, contributing to further experiences of inequity and marginalization for students. As a result, PHE educators are missing out on pivotal opportunities to address diverse student needs and perspectives which can leave some students feeling alienated or unsupported in their learning. PHE educators need to become aware of, understand, and address dimensions of social justice (i.e., economical, political, environmental, cultural, etc.) in their classroom's and school's in order to dismantle discrimination, oppression, and systemic inequities.
Integrating culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy (CRRP) into PHE programming and physical activity (PA) experiences is a powerful way to uphold and embed social justice principles. By applying CRRP, PHE educators can create more inclusive and equitable learning environments that honour the diverse backgrounds, abilities, experiences, and identities of all students.
What is CRRP?
CRRP is an educational framework for "building positive environments, improving student responsibility and success, encouraging parent-school relationships, and building strong community connections" (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2024). CRRP emphasizes the need for educators and school leaders to reflect on and examine their own biases in order to acknowledge and understand how their personal identities and life experiences can shape their perceptions and interactions with students (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2024). Furthermore, it requires educators to recognize and respect that students learning is connected to their backgrounds, family structure, lived experiences, and identities (both social and/or cultural), emphasizing how teaching methods, curriculum choices, and classroom interactions need to be directly relevant to students' lives and responsive to their unique needs and perspectives.
Why should CRRP be implemented in PHE?
CRRP in PHE is vital for providing students with equitable access to opportunities, resources, and support. When PHE educators are able to assert cultural recognition and self-awareness into their pedagogy it can contribute to preventing discrimination, harassement, and negative learning environments. Instructional methods and PHE programs need to celebrate diversity and promote equity to honour and respect students’ diverse backgrounds, abilities, experiences, and identities. This approach cultivates a more inclusive environment where all students feel valued and empowered to participate fully in their learning experiences. By knowing your students and integrating CRRP, it can help PHE educators with:
- connecting meaningfully with students;
- affirming student's identities;
- promoting a sense of belonging;
- nurturing social-emotional learning;
- championing equity, representation, and mutual respect; and,
- encouraging all students to engage fully in their health and physical education journey.
Extended Reading
To deepen your understanding and explore strategies for incorporating culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy (CRRP) into your practice, take a look at the following articles:
Breaking the Cycle: Preparing the Next Generation of Culturally Responsive Physical Education Teachers (PHE Journal)
Written by Margaret Hemstrought, Ed.D., this informative and practical research article discusses how to constructively address the adherence to “traditional” curricula and pedagogy through physical education teacher education programs. The strategies explored in this article can help physical education teacher education programs develop culturally responsive physical educators that address equity, inclusion, privilege, and oppression within the curriculum and pedagogy.
Keywords: physical education; physical education teacher education (PETE); social justice; culturally responsive physical education teachers
For more details, you can read the full article here.
Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy in The Early Years: It’s Never Too Early! (ETFO Voice)
This article discusses how Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy (CRRP) supports young students' learning by celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity in early education. It outlines three main CRRP principles: maintaining high expectations, developing cultural competence, and fostering critical awareness. Teachers are encouraged to use inclusive texts, engage families, design culturally responsive classroom spaces, and utilize open-ended assessments to honor students' identities. This approach promotes social, emotional, and academic growth, ensuring equitable learning for all students.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy (Durham Catholic District School Board)
This article from the Durham Catholic District School Board explains Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy (CRRP), an educational approach that values students’ cultural backgrounds and creates meaningful connections between home and school. CRRP integrates diverse cultural resources and celebrates each student’s heritage to foster a more inclusive environment. The approach aims to improve equity in education by addressing students' individual needs and empowering them to succeed.
For further details, you can read the full article here.
Culturally Responsive and Relevant Assessment and Evaluation (Ontario Ministry of Education)
The Ontario Ministry of Education’s article further discusses the purpose of and need for engaging in assessment from a Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy (CRRP) stance. It also offers strategies for teachers to examine their own biases regarding classroom assessment and evaluation practices.
For more information, you can read the full text here.
Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusive Education (Ontario Ministry of Education)
The Ontario Ministry of Education’s article on Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusive Education highlights the importance of inclusive education in creating positive, supportive learning environments. The framework emphasizes cultural relevance, anti-discrimination efforts, and equity, aiming for each student to see themselves in their school’s curriculum and physical space. Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP) plays a role by recognizing each student’s unique backgrounds and promoting high expectations, encouraging student engagement and well-being.
For further details, you can view the full text here.