From Multicultural Students to Intercultural Pedagogy Creating Convivencia in the Classroom

Abstract

Creating an effective learning environment in a multicultural classroom requires more than attention to content and bibliography. I had to make the pedagogical move from the primary importance of exegesis to the indispensable need for hermeneutics. And not just any hermeneutical theory; one built on the very diversity I found in the classroom. In a word, I needed to learn to teach latinamente. I had to transform from being a teacher to becoming a host, gathering co-learners around the table, and recognizing and valuing the diversity already present.