Culture And Student Achievement

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As you have learned from your reading and resources this week, culture profoundly affects teaching and learning. Many aspects of culture contribute to a student’s identity and self-concept and affect the student’s beliefs and values, attitudes and expectations, social relations, language use, and other behaviors. For this forum, please choose one (1) of the following to discuss in relation to student achievement:

Socioeconomic status
Ethnicity and race
Language differences
After you have selected the area that you want to focus on for this forum, please:

Discuss ways in which the topic you have chosen can influence student achievement.
Find one (1) journal article from a peer-reviewed journal with a study that has investigated your topic and student achievement (Example: The effect of socioeconomic status on student achievement). Provide a link to the study and discuss the findings and whether or not you believe that the findings coincide with what you have learned this week.
Discuss at least two (2) ways in which educators can “bridge the gap” for students in relation to the topic you have chosen. Please be thoughtful in your response to this portion of the question. These suggestions do not have to come from the book and may come from your independent research while searching for your journal article.

 

Sample Solution

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a complex interplay of income, education, and occupation that significantly impacts student achievement. Students from low-SES backgrounds often face numerous challenges, including limited access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition, which can hinder their cognitive development and academic performance. Additionally, these students may experience higher levels of stress, instability, and exposure to violence, which can negatively impact their focus and motivation.

Research Study

Study: Sirin, E. R. (2005). Socioeconomic status and academic achievement: A meta-analytic review of research. Review of Educational Research, 75(3), 417-453.

  1. ojs.amhinternational.com

 

ojs.amhinternational.com

 

Link: While I cannot provide a direct link to the full article, you can access it through academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, or your university’s library.

This meta-analysis found a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and academic achievement. Students from low-SES backgrounds consistently underperform compared to their higher-SES peers. The study highlights the complex interplay of factors such as parental involvement, access to resources, and school quality in mediating the relationship between SES and achievement.

These findings align with the understanding that socioeconomic status is a multifaceted construct with far-reaching implications for student success.

Bridging the Gap

To bridge the gap for students from low-SES backgrounds, educators can implement the following strategies:

  1. High-quality early childhood education: Providing access to early childhood education programs can help close achievement gaps by building foundational skills and fostering a love of learning.
  2. Culturally responsive teaching: Incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds and experiences into the curriculum can increase engagement and motivation. This involves creating a classroom environment where students feel valued and respected.

By addressing the root causes of achievement disparities and creating supportive learning environments, educators can help students from low-SES backgrounds reach their full potential.

 

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