Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Action Research Phase 2: A Peer-Mentored Approach

This project extends the successful 2023-2025 Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Action Research initiative through a peer-mentored approach that builds sustainable capacity whilst engaging new participants. Building on Phase 1's demonstrated impact on teacher professionalism and culturally responsive practices across eight ACT primary schools, Phase 2 implements a dual-purpose model: ten new teachers will engage in the established six-workshop CRP action research cycle whilst seven experienced Phase 1 teachers serve as peer mentors, developing crucial mentoring skills for ongoing sustainability.
The project addresses the critical need for Australian teachers to respond effectively to increasing classroom diversity, with recent research indicating graduate teachers feel unprepared for culturally diverse contexts. Through collaborative participatory action research, teachers position themselves as knowledge creators, developing culturally responsive pedagogies that honour students' cultural identities and lifeworlds whilst improving classroom relationships and engagement.
Key innovations include structured peer mentoring relationships that create sustainable professional learning networks beyond project completion, and strategic collaboration with ACT Education Directorate through co-design processes that support system-wide integration of culturally responsive practices. This approach leverages existing teacher expertise whilst building capacity for long-term impact.
Expected outcomes include enhanced teacher confidence in culturally responsive approaches, improved student engagement and cultural identity affirmation, strengthened peer mentoring capabilities among experienced teachers, and established pathways for systemic adoption through Education Directorate partnership. The project's action research methodology ensures evidence-based practice development whilst the mentoring model creates sustainable support structures that extend impact beyond immediate participants, supporting ACT Education's commitment to inclusive, responsive educational practices.