CANTON -- Educators should present topics in a way that is directly related to the lives of their students, according to a SUNY Canton professor's new research.

Eunjyu Yu, an award-winning teacher of English at the college, suggests relevant subject materials, and support from parents, can help urban American students advance farther in math and science. Yu recently published "The Impact of Culturally Inclusive Pedagogy on Student Achievement in a Multicultural Urban School Setting" in Urban Education, a bi-monthly peer-reviewed journal.

"A culturally inclusive approach emphasizing a connection between school work and students' real-world experiences can link in-school and out-of-school learning," Yu said. "It is important to make a connection between school subject content and students' home and community cultures. By doing this, we can enhance students' self-esteem, critical thinking skills and academic achievement."

The researcher explained that, for instance, math equations involving average snowfall would be appropriate in northern New York but would not be relevant for students who have never experienced cold weather.

"International students won't be able to relate to Halloween or other traditional American holidays," she said. "The best practice is to take advantage of students' cultural backgrounds as an asset to enhance their academic achievement."

She also indicated that parents or guardians were the most common resource for a students, and tutoring help furthers the need for culturally-relatable subject matter.

Her research was derived from a study with 43 teachers and 175 multicultural students from urban public schools who were exposed to culturally relevant teaching methods.

Yu frequently explores and writes about how modern students from diverse backgrounds engage in learning. She is the first-place winner of the 2018 Open SUNY Effective Practice Award for her innovative teaching methods. She was awarded the Honorable Mention of the 2013 English Leadership Quarterly Best Article of the Year Award by the National Council of Teachers of English.