Building Communities of Practice:
Creating Culturally Responsive
Teaching and Learning Environments
CENTER FOR INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION DISPARITIES
(CIHED)
ANTONIO DE MAIO, MARK LAWSON, FRANCES CONTRERAS, VALITA JONES
Be a part of co-constructing the conversation
Be patient with each other
Communicate authentically with meaning and respect
Remain in a place of understanding
AN INVITATION TO GROW…
Expected Learning Outcomes
Understand the principles of culturally responsive teaching and why it is important to embrace the
concepts of learning from this perspective.
Learn how to develop an innovative learning community that is science based and culturally
responsive.
Be able to translate contemporary educational theory into successful practice.
Learn how instructional theory can be used for developing successful and effective teaching
strategies.
Learn the principles for creating a pedagogy for success and achievement by forming a learning
environment ecosystem.
Bring theoretical knowing and practical knowing together in the construction of achievement and
student-centered curriculum.
Understand how to develop a unified system of practice for educational achievement and social
development.
Thinking Differently…
“Schooling is a process intended to perpetuate and maintain the
society’s existing power relations and the institutional structures
that support those arrangements. Education, in contrast to
schooling, is the process of transmitting from one generation to the
next, knowledge of the values, aesthetic, spiritual beliefs, and all
things that give a particular cultural orientation its uniqueness.”
Mwalimu Shujaa
The IMSD program was established in 2008 at UCSD and is funded by the
National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The goal of the IMSD
program is to motivate, mentor, and facilitate the transition of students from
disadvantaged economic and social backgrounds and students with disabilities
from college education to Ph.D. programs in the sciences. The UCSD-IMSD
program is composed of three consecutive phases starting with training during
the first years of a student’s college education, followed by hands-on research
experience, and ending with the awarding of a Ph.D. degree in biomedical
sciences.
IMSD PROGRAM
Undergraduate Program Components
Basic Methodology Training Laboratory
IMSD Interdependent Lab Research
Phase 1. Basic Methodology Training Laboratory
(BMTL): Students with no or limited prior research
experience are introduced to scientific work via
fundamental experimental instruction within the
BMTL. In this setting, students learn the essential
research principles and skills (laboratory safety,
basic techniques, data collection, and analysis)
that will prepare them to participate in organized
independent research projects. During the 14
week training period, students learn several stateof-the art techniques and participate in a small
research project under the supervision of an
advanced graduate student.
Phase 2. Independent Research Project: Students
participate in hands-on, bench research projects
under the mentorship of established, well-funded
investigators. Students are trained in several
aspects of science, including experimental design,
execution, data analysis and presentations, which
increase their competitiveness as graduate school
candidates. Students participate in an
independent research project as well as typical
laboratory activities, such as group meetings and
journal clubs. Students are encouraged to present
their projects at national meetings or in peerreviewed publications. Scholars are assisted in the
preparation of strong graduate school
applications.
Graduate Component
Phase 3. Graduate School Education: Students that enroll into a UCSD graduate program in the
areas of biomedical research, biological sciences, neuroscience, bioengineering, and
bioinformatics are supported during their first year of graduate education and assisted in their
applications to individual fellowships and in the search for professional activities upon
graduation, such as postdoctoral training.
Student Participant Demographics
Eligibility: a student must meet the following criteria: 1) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
2) come from a socio-economically disadvantaged background (a disadvantaged background
includes coming from an environment that has inhibited the individual from obtaining the
knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enroll in higher education and/or living in a household
with an annual income at or below established low-income thresholds according to family size
published by the U.S. Census Bureau) or be from a group that is underrepresented in the
biomedical sciences (African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Native American, U.S. Pacific
Islander), or have a demonstrated disability.
Orientation
KNOW YOUR STUDENTS…CULTURE GIVES REALITY MEANING…
Teaching As Relevant…
“Teaching is a complex and multidimensional process
that requires deep knowledge and understanding in a
wide range of areas and the ability to synthesize,
integrate, and apply this knowledge in different
situations, under varying conditions, and with a wide
diversity of groups and individuals”
Etta Hollins
Sustainability = Ordered Reality
Cosmology – structure of the thinking
Epistemology – how they know
Axiology – what they value
Logic - how they create meaning base on the
thinking and knowing and organize it
Cultural Frameworks
Ontology – the nature of what they know
“Culture is a process which gives people a
general design for living and patterns for
interpreting their reality”
Wade Nobles, 2006
ASILI - INFORMS THE VALUES AND BELIEFS – ULTIMATELY THE
WORLDVIEW – CREATE MEANING AND MOVEMENT TOWARDS GOALS
Why is Culture Important to the Process of
Learning?
Core of their DNA-blueprint
Culture is a people’s immune system
Promotes interconnectivity and transformation
Promotes understanding and meaning making
Guides a people’s worldview, paradigms and ideology
Improves a people self-confidence and self-efficacy
Is not static---it is a living influence that consistently evolves
Foster’s innovation
Why Bother With Understanding Cultural
Thinking And Consciousness?
Understand The Students Principles for Living
 Informed by the students values, ideology, and experiences.
 Understand their specific agency (motivation/ movement).
To Interpret the Student Thinking
 Understand the students principles for living and how it influences their level of consciousness.
 Interpret how to teach and meet the students needs.
Teach for Understanding
 Construct knowledge in such a way as to be relevant and responsive to the manner in which students
learn.
 Access and stimulate the students multiple intelligences.
 Become multidimensional in teaching pedagogy and curriculum development in regards to how you
transmit knowledge and information and motivate students to learn and apply content knowledge.
Culturally Responsive Teaching is adjusting
how we teach to the needs and experiences of
students by using their cultural knowledge,
prior experiences, frames of reference, and
performance styles to make learning
encounters more relevant and effective for
them….
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Culturally responsive instruction promotes excellent and personal meaning in education for culturally
diverse students.
Acknowledges that each student is part of a learning community.
Recognizes that students’ real-life experiences and cultural traditions (Thinking, Values & Beliefs) can
play a role in the learning environment.
Accepts that students bring with them knowledge and experience that are essential to THEIR
construction of knowledge and meaning making (Understanding).
Understands that each Professor/Researcher (PI) beliefs about teaching and learning have a
significant impact on how they teach, what they teach, and what they believe to be qualify as
learning.
Helps students to make sense of their own communities and the larger world, and define and create
their own reality as developing scientist.
Shows a demonstrated commitment to historically underrepresented populations.
Putting Our Research Skills to Use!
What skills am I being called to develop?
What is the current pedagogy and curriculum rooted in ( whose thinking)?
What is the relatedness to what you are teaching to the students realty?
How is what you are teaching being interpreted and learned?
What lens are my students using to form meaning?
Generally speaking how does my population know what they know?
How has their knowledge been constructed?
How is any of this (teaching pedagogy, curriculum design, activities) relevant to the learning
process for my students?
After Becoming Responsive…
Assist in Creating Intellectual Leaders in the classroom.
Support students as apprentices in a learning community.
Understand that students come to the learning environment with knowledge and information
already and learn how to build on that knowledge capital.
Assist students in learning to become interpretive and negotiate their learning and research
experience for positive achievement.
Change your thinking from status quo to innovative and become conscious and aware.
Recognize your role as being political and part of social justice in reference to equity and
equality.
Creating the Community
IMSD PROGRAM
Individual vs Collective Value System
Framework
INDIVIDUALISM
COLLECTIVISM
1. Foster independence and individual
achievements
1. Fostering interdependence and group
success
2. Promoting self-expression, individual
thinking, personal choice
2. Promoting adherence to norms, respect for
authority/elders, group consensus
Associated with egalitarian relationships and
flexibility in roles (e.g. upward mobility)
Understanding the physical world as knowable
apart from its meaning for human life
Associated with private property, individual
ownership
3. Associated with stable, hierarchical roles
(dependent on gender, family background,
age)
4. Understanding the physical world in the
context of its meaning for human life
IMSD Program Core Values
System of Practice and Application (Unified System of Pedagogy & Practical Application).
Incorporates a Meaningful and Purposeful Learning Community.
 Requires Cooperation & Collaboration
 Promotes Interdependence not Individuality
 Supports Self-determination and Unification
 Suggests Creativity, Innovation, Critical Thinking, and Reflection
 Stewards Meaning Making By Teaching For Understanding
Content Knowledge is Constructed Through Culturally Relevant Instruction, Teaching and Practice.
The Foundation For The Learning Community is Grounded in Relevant Teaching and Learning Praxis.
Learning Is Situated Through Activities In The Lecture and Laboratory – This allows for the Development of
Science Confidence.
Content Knowledge and Information is Connected Through Application.
A major disadvantage for applicants to Ph.D. programs is a lack of research experience, which is elevated in
candidates coming from small colleges in which the richness of research experiences is limited.
Connected Teaching and Practice
Creates a Culturally Responsive Learning Environment that
Integrates Historical, Cultural, Political, and Developmental
Considerations of Research Into A Unified Pedagogical
Theory and Practice For Maximum Student Learning and
Achievement.
Curriculum and Lab Pedagogy
 How to Create the Learning Experience?
Our program includes several novel approaches, including an introductory course where scholars are taught laboratory safety, the ethical conduct of research, and critical scientific reading.
In addition, Scholars also participate in activities directed at increasing their scientific reading and writing. Moreover, scholars will participate in workshops directed at increasing their
motivation, self-confidence, and communication skills. After completing their training, BMTL participants are placed in different laboratories where they do hands-on bench research and
participate in the various typical activities of any research group. Several undergraduate students participating in the IMSD program have published in peer-reviewed journals. In addition,
students partake in regular activities that further encourage their interest in pursuing Ph.D. degrees in science, such as scientific journal clubs where they increase their awareness and
ability to understand scientific literature.
 Lecture Structure
Knowledge Construction Opportunities-Scholars are prepared in basic laboratory techniques (e.g., cloning, Western blotting) and develop fundamental skills (e.g., keeping a laboratory
record book), which is followed by state-of-the-art training (e.g., flow cytometry, quantitative PCR) and a practical course in biostatistics.
 Laboratory Structure
 Moving From Theory to Practice-Freshman students participate in a Basic Methodology Training Laboratory (BMTL) that exposes them to basic research techniques and common
scientific practices. . Each student receives individualized training from an instructor. In addition, scholars learn the principles behind each technique. In addition to training and preparing
students for success in laboratory research, the BMTL also improves students’ academic performance.
 Student Disposition As A Developing Scientist-The BMTL helps students overcome the biggest concern that investigators have about accepting undergraduate students into their research
groups, which is the lack of laboratory experience. In addition, the BMTL experience results in a positive interaction among participants, creating a dynamic environment and
camaraderie.
 Performance Feedback (Learning Loop-Reflection)-Students will be monitored by a panel of three faculty members, including the principal mentor, who at the end of the training period
will recommend the candidates for acceptance into graduate programs. Finally, scholars will be assisted in their applications to Ph.D. programs across the country through a structured
counseling system.
Module Example
Module 1. Molecular, Cell Biology and Biochemistry (Weeks 1-6)
Week 1: Protein concentration assay
1) The use of a pipettor (practice using water and a balance).
2) Lecture on protein concentration assay: the importance of determining protein concentrations Description of the
different colorimetric protein assays commonly use in research laboratories (Bradford, Lowry or bicinchoninic acid).
3) Measurement of protein concentrations using the colorimetric BCA assay with BSA as standard.
Preparation of a standard curve using serial dilutions. Scholars learn how to use a spectrophotometer and how to
analyze results (plot a standard curve and determine protein concentration using standard Excel software to perform a
regression and plot).
4) Scholars perform protein concentration determination of an unknown sample under minimal supervision. Three
unknown protein samples are provided to each student. Protein concentration in each sample is determined in triplicate
(provides instructor with the student ability to pipet in a reproducible manner). Data are analyzed and reported in
laboratory notebook. Scholars will repeat this procedure until they master the technique. Scholars are considered
capable when triplicates are within a 0.03 OD range (pipetting), and the standard curve coefficient of determination R2 is
0.9 or above (pipetting and dilution).
Sample of Seminars
How to Create a Research Action Plan - This seminar will focus on assisting the scholars in preparing a research platform statement and finding
potential schools and specific faculty Ph.D. mentors.
The use of computer assisted search of literature (e.g, use of PubMed).
How to Apply to Graduate School - This seminar will focus on assisting scholars with preparing a winning graduate school application.
Emphasis will be placed on how to write an effective statement of purpose and request excellent letters of recommendation.
What Happens After I Apply? - This workshop will focus on helping scholars understand the cycle of the application and admittance process.
The Doctorate Student’s Survival Guide – This seminar will include a panel of current Ph.D. candidates sharing their experiences of how to be
self-retained and survive graduate school to degree completion. Critical information will be shared on developing coping techniques and
identifying potential funding streams such as NIH and NSF fellowships.
Building a Community of Peer Support - Scholars will learn the importance of and be introduced to digital scientific communities, such as
AAAS, MySciNet and CtScieNet, that offer mentor support and serve as resources
Branding Yourself as a Scientist - The focus of this workshop is to assist scholars in building a digital portfolio as a scientist using social media
as a marketing tool.
Conducing Poster and Oral Presentations - Scholars will be instructed on how to present their research findings both orally and at poster
presentations.
The Dissertation Explained - An overall review of the process of writing a dissertation and picking an effective committee.
Peer to Peer Networking
Annual Retreat: At the end of each academic year, all of the scholars in the program will get together with
participating mentors to present the results of their work at an annual retreat. This retreat will be held in
conjunction with the UCSD-IMSD and UCSD-MARC programs to increase the exposure of the scholars to a rich
scientific environment. Scholars will given the opportunity to discuss their results in either an oral or poster
presentation. In addition, part of the time during this retreat will be used to discuss student experiences,
particularly those ideas that will help improve the program. In addition, PREP scholars will attend the annual
retreat of at least one participating UCSD graduate program to expand their research horizons. These activities
will increase the interaction of PREP scholars with graduate students and faculty members.
Lunch with a Graduate Student: During the academic year, participating scholars will have a bi-monthly lunch
with one or more graduate students who are close to fulfilling their Ph.D. requirements. The goal of these
meetings will be to share the experience of successful investigators and graduate students with the scholars in an
informal environment. Some of these meetings will be also used to discuss funding opportunities (pre-graduate
and post-graduate) and the preparation of successful applications for graduate school, postdoctoral, and faculty
positions.
Ubuntu Mentoring Program: Throughout the year, scholars will participate in the peer mentoring program where
new participants are paired with current program participants. This program offers support and the ability for
newly developing scientist to develop social capital, networks and peer support for one another.
Understanding A Connected Practice…
Theory – Culturally Responsive Teaching/ Constructivism
 Culturally structured thought helps to guide and shape the curriculum and pedagogical practice.
 Learn and absorb that cognition is determined through patterns.
Framework – Anti-deficit Framework
 Underrepresented student populations are viewed through a lens of potentiality and possibility, rather
than defeat and incapable of learning or developing as scientist.
Praxis – BMTL Experience and Interdependence Research Experience
 Students are more academically prepared and mentored. They are integrated and expose to meaningful
research. Students are retained, demonstrate stronger self-identity as scientists, become more
consciousness and can navigate their way to graduation.
Program Evaluation Design
Evaluation Questions
The research questions of this study include:
1.
In what ways has the IMSD program influenced the academic performance and tangible
STEM related skills of student participants?
2.
Has the IMSD program influenced student aspirations for graduate school and career goals?
3.
Has the IMSD program influenced the mentorship approaches of IMSD faculty? In what ways
has the program served as the foundation for engaging faculty to mentor minority
undergraduates? Have faculty mentorship practices been influenced as a result of their
participation as an IMSD mentor?
IMSD Students Supported
More than 103 undergraduate students have
entered the Basic Methodology Training Lab
since the inception of the program
Phase II of the program has placed many
students in independent labs and IMSD
undergraduate students get published!
Academic Grades improve for students after
the BMTL
Increased number of faculty wanting to
mentor IMSD students because they are well
prepared
Student build science confidence
Mentors are engaging students and offering
career advise
Currently, there are 16 former IMSD students
in Ph.D. programs around the country.
Where Are IMSD Students?
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Cornell University
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Yale University
University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Duke University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of California, Riverside
University of Texas, Austin (UT)
University of Southern California (USC)
UT Southwestern
Kellogg School - Scripps Research Institute
Gerstner Sloan Kettering
University of Washington (UW)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of Georgia
California Northstate University College of
Pharmacy (CNUCP)
Columbia University
University of Washington (UW)
Questions?
“Cultural Pluralism promoting a more pluralistic
society by encouraging rather discouraging ethnic
identity movements and the women’s movement,
encouraging them not to abandon, but to get ever
more deeply in touch with their inner core”
Dave Malcom