Keywords
equity gap
Hispanic-Serving Institution
students
education
How to Cite
Abstract
Based on primary challenges identified with equity gaps among Under-Represented Minority (URM) students who are Hispanic, Black, and/or Indigenous, this pilot study was developed to learn more about Apparel URM students and support their success. We took practitioner-scholar approaches to apply Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) with students and faculty. The objectives were: (1) to identify Culturally Relevant (CR) perspectives of Apparel students, including their motivations, barriers, and recommendations; (2) to intentionally engage with students and faculty to improve a sense of achievement, excellence, and student-teacher relationships; and (3) to strategically implement CR approaches with undergraduates in the Apparel major. Research methods included student focus group interviews, and surveys based on project activities that included hosting a faculty workshop and supplemental instruction. This study conveys the feasibility of integrating CR approaches in Apparel practice-based approaches to support students and begin to address equity gap issues.
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