Culturally Inclusive Teaching of Adult English Language Learners

The growing diversity of the United States population continues to impact public education in many ways. One key area has been the increased awareness of the need to adapt learning environments to enhance the motivation of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Culturally responsive teaching is one approach designed to increase motivation by replacing mainstream teaching practices with those grounded in students' experiences and ways of knowing. This multicultural approach is enacted in many adult English language classes throughout the country. It is the purpose of this chapter to highlight those practices for the larger adult education community.