Blog Post #7 - Kohn and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

After reading Alfie Kohn’s What to Look for in a Classroom and watching Introduction to Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, I started thinking more about what kind of classroom I want to have one day. Both made me realize that teaching isn’t just about giving out lessons or grades — it’s about creating a space where students feel comfortable, respected, and involved in what they’re learning.

Kohn talked about how classrooms should focus more on thinking instead of just working quietly. That part really stood out to me because I’ve been in a lot of classes where quiet meant “good behavior,” but not real learning. I like how Kohn wants teachers to let students ask questions, share ideas, and take ownership of their learning. It made me think about how I want to teach English and Theatre — not by having students just follow directions, but by letting them explore, express themselves, and understand why the lesson matters.

The video on culturally relevant pedagogy connected perfectly with that. What stood out most was the idea that students’ backgrounds, culture, and experiences should be part of the learning, not something ignored. I liked when Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings said that culturally relevant teaching isn’t just about adding culture, but using it to empower students. That really stuck with me because it reminds me that every student has a story, and as teachers, we have to value that.

Both Kohn and the video made me realize how important it is to give students a voice. They shouldn’t feel like school is just a place where they listen — it should be a place where they’re heard and seen. As a future teacher, I want my classroom to be open and creative, where students can connect what they learn to their own lives. Whether it’s through writing, acting, or storytelling, I want them to feel like they belong and that their voice matters.

Overall, both the reading and the video made me think about how I want to teach differently — to make my classroom a place that’s about curiosity, culture, and connection.