Embedding culturally relevant pedagogy in practice: Considerations for training and resource development

As computer science (CS) is introduced to more learners across a variety of contexts (school, clubs, vocational settings), an emerging challenge is the need to ensure CS education is relevant and accessible to all. Culturally relevant pedagogy (or CRP) has emerged in recent decades as a dominant set of approaches for adapting learning materials to meet learners’ needs and contexts. Where some research has taken place in formal settings (e.g. classrooms, schools), less is known about how these principles can be applied in non-formal settings, particularly in CS. In this paper, we detail how culturally relevant principles were applied in the adaptation and implementation of an introductory CS course at a refugee camp in Kenya. We report on how these principles were applied and how these influenced our work. Finally, we detail the implications for future practice in this area.