Applying the "Liberation Literacies" Framework to STEM Education: Fostering Equity, Inclusion, and Empowerment

Program Abstract: “Liberation Literacies” has its foundation in language in the classroom and in the ways we teach English learners in the United States. This work explores how the "Liberation Literacies" framework can be applied to STEM education, highlighting its potential to promote equity, inclusion, and empowerment among learners. The “Liberation Literacies” framework is being presented as a concept in STEM that pushes for a more critical and inclusive approach to STEM. The following approaches will be presented; class-based research projects, global learning, and two that utilize technology as a tool, virtual lab simulations, and video presentations. These approaches aim to achieve two main goals: challenge dominant narratives and empower marginalized groups in STEM. Grounded in the principles of cultural affirmation, relevance, empowerment, critical consciousness, and community engagement, the "Liberation Literacies" framework offers a transformative approach to STEM education that centers students' cultural and linguistic identities, experiences, and voices.