Bridging STEM and Cross-Cultural Education: Designing Inclusive Pedagogies for Multilingual Classrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Author(s): Onuh Matthew Ijiga ; Ginikachi Prisca Ifenatuora ; Mariam Olateju
• Paper ID: 1709609
• Page: 543-559
• Published Date: 31-07-2020
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 5 Issue 1 July-2021

Abstract

In the diverse and linguistically rich region of Sub-Saharan Africa, multilingual classrooms are becoming the norm rather than the exception. However, the traditional design of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education often fails to accommodate the cultural and linguistic realities of these learning environments. This review paper explores the intersection of STEM and cross-cultural education, examining how inclusive pedagogical strategies can bridge the gap between standardized STEM curricula and the dynamic cultural-linguistic identities of learners. Drawing on interdisciplinary research in education, sociolinguistics, and cognitive science, the paper highlights successful models of inclusive teaching, examines barriers to equity in STEM learning, and proposes culturally responsive frameworks tailored to the unique needs of multilingual classrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review further emphasizes teacher training, policy shifts, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems as central to educational transformation. Ultimately, this paper aims to contribute to the growing discourse on decolonizing STEM education while promoting equity, participation, and cognitive accessibility for all learners.

Keywords

Inclusive Pedagogy, Multilingual Education, STEM in Africa, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Cross-Cultural Curriculum Design

Citations

IRE Journals:
Onuh Matthew Ijiga , Ginikachi Prisca Ifenatuora , Mariam Olateju "Bridging STEM and Cross-Cultural Education: Designing Inclusive Pedagogies for Multilingual Classrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 5 Issue 1 2021 Page 543-559

IEEE:
Onuh Matthew Ijiga , Ginikachi Prisca Ifenatuora , Mariam Olateju "Bridging STEM and Cross-Cultural Education: Designing Inclusive Pedagogies for Multilingual Classrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 5(1)