Running head: PORTFOLIO REFLECTION 1

Portfolio Project - Reflection

Angela Brooks

OTL565– Cultural Responsiveness in the Differentiated Classroom

Colorado State University – Global Campus

Dr. Sherry Schreiner

November 29. 2020

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Reflection

For this reflection we were asked to, “Discuss why research-based strategies should be

used to instruct learners in order to create a culturally responsive classroom environment. I’m

honestly conflicted as I do believe research-based strategies with proven success are

instrumental to help teachers in the classroom, but I also believe there is a need for continued

innovation, alteration of proven strategies when needed, and to throw it all out the window when

it isn’t working with your student population.

Research is defined as the systematic investigation into and study of materials and

sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. So from that point of view and in

appreciation that I am able to quickly look up and apply tried and tested strategies, I value this

approach. As Gayriel (2013) points out, prior to 1998, there was little to know work done on

classroom interactions and personalized learning. Instead, the focus was on outputs/grades. The

research-based assessment for learning concept focuses on what is learned, how things went,

what could change, facilitation of personal growth, offering a wide variety of opportunity, and

goal setting and responsibility. The LEAP learning framework, which we read about and

discussed throughout this course, is a great example of an assessment for learning learner driven

and led concept that is proven to work and a fantastic resource for educators. XXX In our current

state, with COVID pushing educators to learn new online tools and push out lessons to both in-

person and online learners, having these resources on hand is most likely very appreciated. As a

parent, I have seen firsthand how this new way of learning has pushed teachers beyond their

comfort zone, but also leaving them with little to no time to create thoughtful lesson plans or

options for personalized learning. My son, who is in fourth grade, has a very experienced

teacher, but admittedly she has no experience with Google Classroom or Schoology. I could see
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(on the computer screen) and in talking with her, that this was a struggle for her. She shared with

me on two occasions that she feels bad pushing out worksheet after worksheet to the children,

but with the requirement to be on video, load a mountain of activities in to the online education

platform, field an increase in questions from both her administrators and parents, and grade

papers, it left her exhausted and no time for more meaningful work or to give options to learners

who may not learn well off of video and practice via handouts. This crushes me. If she is in this

boat, I can imagine many like her are as well. For these reasons, using research backed strategies

are an amazing tool, and methods like the LEAP framework are continuously doing more studies

to improve or modify their methods.

As previously discussed there is a lot to be said for research based learning framework,

resources and tools to help educators grow professionally, assist in maximizing their students full

potential, and save time from trial and error or reinventing the wheel. With that said, I am a

proponent of new perspectives and innovation. In major successful organizations, their key to

success is hiring diverse employees who offer new ideas so the business doesn’t fall behind their

competitors. In a study conducted by Lambriex, Van der Klink, Beausaert, Bijker, & Segers,

(2020) they found that if a teacher or group of teachers felt supported by their administrators and

new methods were tested and put into practice, there was more likelihood that the educator

would offer innovative solution to common issues surrounding education.

By incorporating district and administrator supported practices that are backed by

research coupled with having a management team that promotes growth and fresh perspectives

are the best marriage in both the teacher and student being engaged and successful. While

research backed methods that are reviewed often should be a staple in all classrooms,

modification and new ideas should be welcome by all.

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Website

To review my website with artifacts, please visit https://learningeportfolio.weebly.com.

On this page you can navigate to the second menu tab titled, “Personalized Learning & Cultural

Responsiveness” to find a drop-down menu organized by areas of interest.

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References

Gavriel, J. (2013). Assessment for learning: a wider (classroom-researched) perspective is important for

formative assessment and self-directed learning in general practice. Education for Primary Care :

An Official Publication of the Association of Course Organisers, National Association of GP

Tutors, World Organisation of Family Doctors, 24(2), 93–96.

Lambriex-Schmitz, P., Van der Klink, M. R., Beausaert, S., Bijker, M., & Segers, M. (2020).

When Innovation in Education Works: Stimulating Teachers’ Innovative Work

Behaviour. International Journal of Training and Development, 24(2), 118–134.