Abstract
Culturally relevant teaching enhances young learners’ engagement and academic success by connecting curriculum content to their lived experiences. In the UAE, early childhood math curricula often lack integration of Emirati cultural elements, limiting opportunities for students to relate mathematical concepts to their heritage. This study explores how embedding Emirati cultural values into math instruction fosters cultural identity, engagement, and comprehension. Using Culturally Relevant Pedagogy as a theoretical framework, a mixed-methods approach was employed to assess the impact of culturally integrated math lessons in kindergarten classrooms at a private institution in Ajman. Classroom observations, teacher interviews, and student performance assessments were conducted to evaluate four lessons incorporating traditional Emirati elements, such as palm trees for place value and camels for measurement. Findings indicate that students demonstrated increased engagement and understanding when cultural references were used. However, challenges such as limited resources and the absence of cultural experts restricted deeper cultural exploration. The use of technology and real-life applications helped bridge these gaps. This study highlights the benefits of integrating cultural elements into early childhood math curricula, supporting UAE Vision 2021’s emphasis on cultural preservation in education. Recommendations include developing culturally relevant teaching materials, providing professional development for educators, and incorporating cultural experts to enhance lesson authenticity. Future research could explore the long-term impact of culturally responsive pedagogy on mathematical achievement.
Presenters
Sarah AlblooshiTeacher, Education, Higher Colleges of Technology, 'Ajmān, United Arab Emirates Robin Ogdol
Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Higher Colleges of Technology, Ash Shariqah [Sharjah], United Arab Emirates Alreem Ahmed
Student, bachelor degree, Higher colleges of technology, 'Ajmān, United Arab Emirates
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Emirati Culture, Early Childhood Education, Mathematics, National Identity, Culturally Relevant
