Development of a critical teaching process: A multisensorial integrated approach

Problem. Narrowly interpreted state standards of education and transmissive teaching methods have assisted in marginalizing students from diverse backgrounds. Teaching and learning are defined as standards-based and English-only and reflect the hierarchical and atomistic mechanistic model that has influenced education since the industrial age.; Purpose. The purpose of this study is to develop a transformative critical pedagogy for work with current state standards and skills that teachers are currently required to teach. The multisensorial component is designed to assist teachers in developing the experiential base that is part of effective learning and pedagogy.; Theoretical analysis. Education is deeply influenced by pedagogy and this project analyzes the process of designing a multisensorial critical study to initiate a transformative educational model among diverse students. The pedagogy was an outgrowth of participatory research between intern teachers and the researcher, and was based on a liberatory philosophy of education. It was applied to writing a study guide in which a second group of experienced educators integrated progressive educational strategies with state standards of education.; Methodology. This study was conducted in two parts. The first part was an exploratory study that utilized participatory research whereby intern teachers and the researcher identified the elements of a transformative pedagogy. Through an empowerment evaluation approach, the group subsequently evaluated existing conditions and the resources that contributed to student voice and empowerment. The second part of the study was conducted with an experienced group of educators and was guided by the Hermeneutic process. It transformative pedagogy into a multisensorial critical study design.; Findings. A rigorous academic program combined with a critical socially constructed teaching/learning environment based on interaction, discovery, and problem solving, contributes to teacher effectiveness and student learning. Diverse students were empowered to develop academic and social skills and learn standards when these standards were integrated within a cognitively demanding curriculum. This study found that students met and excelled in course expectations.; Conclusions and recommendations. Few studies analyze the role of critical skill development in elementary schools. The challenge is to draw from a liberatory philosophy of education to integrate student-centered and skill-based instruction.