A Collaborative Assignment on the Role of Culture in Child Development and Education

Abstract

In this article, I describe a collaborative project that helps students understand the role of culture in child development and education through an in-depth study of math education in the United States and Asia. Students use Bronfenbrenner's (1979, 1994) ecological model of development as a theoretical framework. The project entails independent and collaborative work outside of class and 2 class sessions. Evaluation data indicate that the assignment, especially the collaborative element, was highly effective in helping students understand how culture influences child development and education. The assignment also helped students understand Bronfenbrenner's ecological model and its applicability to child development topics.