Classroom Pedagogy and the Accomodation of Students’ Cultural Diversity

Abstract

The study explored teachers’ views on classroom pedagogy and the accommodation of cultural diversity in primary schools in Zimbabwe. The study was carried out in five selected primary schools in Chegutu district. Qualitative research was selected as the research method with phenomenology as the research design. The sample comprised twenty teachers (10 male and 10 female) selected through purposive sampling technique. Data gathering instruments consisted of unstructured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study found out that teachers accommodate cultural diversity in a number of ways. Teaching methods employed in the classroom accommodate all learners in terms of varying ability levels. In the teaching of the languages particularly Shona cultural diversity is catered for through providing pupils with equivalent terms in different dialects as well as examples. The teaching of religious and moral education was seen as an area where cultural diversity is addressed through the adoption of a multifaith approach. Teachers were also found to be sensitive to pupils’ diverse cultural backgrounds through utilisation of conducive teacher pupil classroom interaction. The study recommends that accommodation of cultural diversity should transcend all subjects in the primary school curriculum. Teachers need to be sensitised on the ideals of multicultural education through the hosting of seminars and workshops. Book publishers should make an effort to accommodate cultural diversity through provision of examples from a variety of cultures. There is need for teachers to carry out adequate research on pupils backgrounds so as to accommodate all pupils.