When and Where did I Find it: Like my previous post, I came across "cultural discontinuity" when reading the article "Opening the Dialogue: Using Culture as a Tool in Teaching Young African American Children" by Debbie Diller (1999).
What it means: Cultural discontinuity is defined as a "mismatch between the culture of the school and the culture of the home" (Diller, 1999, p. 821). This theme is especially prevalent in schools that have a diverse student population that is made up of students who's home lives and communities are not in line with those of the school or its curriculum.
Level of familiarity: I have heard these words in separate contexts, but never together. I understand that the word cultural is concerned with way of life, while discontinity relates to a gap or irregularity.
Do I want to know this word well and why: Now that I have a new understanding of this word and what it means in the education setting, I think it would be important to explore this topic in more depth. Considering how diverse the student population is becoming, it is important to understand what this means for teachers.
Do I think others should know this word well...if so, who and why: I think it would be helpful for other teachers to understand what this means for curriculum and instruction. Essentially, this idea supports the notion that school should be a place to extend learning, as well as develop an understanding and appreciation for diversity. Students should be encouraged to draw connections between their lives at home and their lives at school.
Diller, D. (1999). Opening the dialogue: Using culture as a tool in teaching young african american children. The Reading Teacher, 52(8), 820-828.
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