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ERIC Number: ED619069
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Dec
Pages: 46
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Representation of Social Groups in U.S. Educational Materials and Why It Matters: A Research Overview
Armstrong, Amanda LaTasha
New America
Culturally responsive education is an asset-based approach to teaching and learning, which incorporates materials that reflect students' cultural communities ("mirrors") and those of different communities ("windows"). These materials support students' engagement, learning and interests in career fields, expose them to different perspectives and experiences, and influence their understanding of self and social groups. However, are all students provided with opportunities for windows and mirrors, specifically through characters and people featured in educational materials? This report synthesizes the results of more than 160 studies to explain the connection between culturally responsive education materials and learning, and examines representation of different social groups. More specifically, it captures the frequency and portrayal of different racial, ethnic, and gender groups within printed and digital educational media to provide a comprehensive understanding of who is presented and how. Findings from the report suggest there is disparity in representation of characters from different racial, ethnic, and gender groups. When portrayals of these groups are present, they tend to be affirming and authentic portrayals. However stereotypes, limited roles and inaccurate information are still present and tend to be unique to specific communities. Based on the review, the results indicate a need for educational materials that create a sense of belonging, develop cultural authenticity, and recognize nuanced identity in different characters.
New America. 740 15th Street NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-986-2700; Fax: 202-986-3696; Web site: https://www.newamerica.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Authoring Institution: New America
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A