Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice

by Geneva Gay

The achievement of students of color continues to be disproportionately low at all levels of education. More than ever, Geneva Gay’s foundational book on culturally responsive teaching is essential reading in addressing the needs of today’s diverse student population. Combining insights from multicultural education theory and research with real-life classroom stories, Gay demonstrates that all students will perform better on multiple measures of achievement when teaching is filtered through their own cultural experiences. This bestselling text has been extensively revised to Praise for the First Edition! A Choice recommended title. "A comprehensive account of the important role that culture plays in the teaching and learning process." ― Urban Education "From her careful analysis of the educational research and best practices literature, and her wealth of experiences from working with P/K–18 students and teachers, Gay clearly explains how culturally responsive teaching can be used to dramatically influence the academic achievement of students of color and other marginalized students." ― Carl A. Grant , University of Wisconsin at Madison "Geneva Gay has written a passionate and inspiring book that provides a comprehensive explanation of culturally responsive teaching and how it can make a difference in the lives of students of color. She argues that all teachers, regardless of their ethnic group membership, must have the ‘courage, competence, and confidence’ to teach in a culturally relevant manner.” ― Christine Bennett , Indiana University "Written by one of the leading interpreters of diversity in the schools, this book challenges all teachers to reconsider their pedagogical and personal approaches to young people in our nation's increasingly multicultural classrooms." ― Carlos E. Cortés , University of California, Riverside

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Adult, Academic, College

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Emine Ozturk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reference book for educators, researchers, and individuals who are interested in culture in educational contexts. Both theoretical perspectives and practical strategies are presented in a rich manner. Gay provides some examples such as movies, scenarios, books, videos, and other references to make aware teachers about the unique characteristics of diverse learners and marginalized populations and multicultural education. Recommended particularly 3rd edition!

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book for a class. I discovered that the majority of the information I have already been exposed to in my ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction classes. A new thing I enjoyed was an example of how to teach fractions, by having students stand in a circle and become parts, such as 8 kids to demonstrate fractions with 3/8, etc. I will probably add holding colored paper for my really beginning English learners as something they can readilly see when we don't share a language. A part I didn't like is the comment that in teaching the slavery part of US History, the sexual explotation of slaves should be taught. The author was describing teaching grades 2-5. I think that part is better left to the upper grades, as studnets need to take US History in high school anyways. Overall, for someone who doesn't know the subject well, this would be a tremendous resource.

[Anna Snader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be the most influential teaching book I will ever read. Definitely a must-read for every educator!

My major take-aways:
1) Minority, bilingual, and multicultural students need to feel represented and seen in their lessons
2) Student culture and language also need to be considered especially in classes like English.
3) Teachers need to hold high expectations of ALL their students but find creative ways to support each student in reaching those goals. Essentially, teachers need to believe in every student's success and capability to learn.
4) Create a community of continual growth and learning
5) Create a welcoming and warm environment.

I cannot deny that the teaching profession discourages me. I see how hard it is, how many people are leaving the field, and how much there is to think about. Often, I am afraid I won't be able to be a perfect teacher or everything my students need me to be. But this book has encouraged and inspired me to continue thinking about why we need education. We need it because it changes lives, and it certainly changed mine.
But I wonder, how do we start changing the system to reach more students? When do we begin? I think the time is now.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this is one of, if not the, most import books in educational research. From Geneva Gay, known to be the originator of Culturally Responsive Teaching practice and theory, is this wealth of resources and research pointing teachers and schools in the right direction. I dog-eared, underlined, and sticky-noted my way through, reading and rereading multiple times, not because she was unclear - no, her writing is eloquent - but so that I didn't miss a single morsel of what she was putting down. Every piece of practice and theory came backed with mounds of research and I'd only expect, since it all rang true today after 20+ years, that there is plenty more where that came from. I'd highly recommend this book to any and all teachers who want to do right by BIPOC students, and that should be all of them.

[Karen Lemmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dense theory and research driven book. I will probably read this book again for more clarification and understanding. Gay does an excellent job in defining culturally responsive teaching. It is more than teaching bits and pieces of history, cultural identity to students. It is a mindset that must be cultivated and practiced everyday. Some of the practices that were presented were interesting, and it laid the foundation for culturally responsive teaching in a variety of settings.

[Stephanie Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this textbook. It was mostly theory, it was very dense, and parts of it were not edited very well. Though there were some helpful teaching theories, there was also a lot of opinions throughout the book, many of which had nothing to do with culturally responsive teaching.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fine overview. I would prefer more techniques and less theory, but that's not what the author was trying to do. Could serve as a starting point for more research.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas, but just a really slow read.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 3rd edition and offers the theory and culturally responsive teaching praxis that ensues. It is obviously the premier text for culturally responsive pedagogy.

[EJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real book about systemic racism and what teachers can do to make change. Every single teacher should read this.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this for a class. Hated every minute of it. Boring. No practical suggestions. Too much theory and research, not enough "practice."

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

first grad school book…in the books. highly recommend for anyone going into teaching. It’s an easy-to-follow yet impactful book

[Steven McCorkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a dense read but a good one. The author delves into both the research and practice of culturally responsive teaching. Definitely Gay's magnum opus and a work that will stand the test of time.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every eductor should read it and implement this practice now.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this gay book!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to culturally responsive pedagogy. Gay presents an impassioned plea for reform in order to improve the performance of students of colour in U.S. Schools. Her lessons apply in other areas as well including mine. Teaching students from a different culture than ours is challenging and Gay's book helps illustrate how teachers can leverage the students' own strengths to build on their success.

Gay's book provides a great counter argument to the pervasiveness of colourblind racism that permeates education.

This book has some practical ides, research examples, and case-studies. Also, there are references for further study for each of the sub-sections.

I highly recommend it to anyone who cares about providing a real education and real opportunities to everyone in their community or classroom!

[Jess Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! I would recommend it to anyone involved in any aspect of education--particularly in areas where there is a diverse student population. Being culturally responsible cannot only happen in the classroom. It has to happen at all levels of education--from office staff to strategic planning to residence halls. I think this is one area that Gay could go on to explore.

Importantly, even though Gay focuses mostly on working with racially diverse students, I think a lot of what she suggests in terms of teacher-student relationships and the importance of caring can be applied to any student body. This book is worth it's weight in gold. I only borrowed it from the library, but I will definitely be purchasing it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of reading for work lately. This was useful but rather dry. (I'd say you can tell that by the cover but my mother would disapprove.) If multicultural education, both in content and audience, is interesting to you, start with the first chapter and then skip to the last two. Those are the chapters with more personal anecdotes illustrating the themes of the book. Had there been more narratives like this throughout, it would have been more useful to me, more engaging, and the message would have had a greater impact.

[Englishbookmonster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! This book was written as a guide for current teachers in diverse classrooms. The chapters are divided helpfully throughout the book; making distinctions with pedagogical advice, the power that caring about culture, communication, curriculum, and praxis. Geneva suggests systemic changes and reform throughout the classroom and curriculum, especially across all school levels.

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely incredible. It is very well-researched and gives very useful tools for responding to all of the cultures that exist in the classroom. I highly recommend it to teachers. I couldn't stop highlighting!

I will be posting a longer review later, but I needed to get my thoughts down. :)

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for my Multiculturalism in Education class. No doubt about it, the writers of this book know what they're talking about and are leading researchers on the topic - but it is kind of boring.

[David Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is no way I could have read this straight through. But, despite how much I hate admitting it. I enjoyed reading parts of it for class and it made me think. Yes, this is the same review as the other one. I hate that I didn't hate this book more. This one's chapters are too long.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

read the first four chapters. I drowned in books like this this summer.

[Steve]

Powerful

[Edy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this book while I was writing a dissertation on bilingual education. I enjoyed it a lot. Good information about how teachers can be culturally responsive to their students.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit more about the standards movement.

[Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting academic read for someone completely out of the field.

As an outsider, had hoped for more 'practical application' though.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful and insightful books I've ever read. It would totally change your view of being a culturally responsive human being, not just a teacher.

[فاطمة]

P:150

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

For class.