Methods that matter in addressing cultural diversity with teacher candidates |
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| Authors: | Emmanuel O Acquah Nancy L Commins |
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| Institution: | 1. Centre for Learning Research and Department of Teacher Education, University of Turku, Turku, Finland;2. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, School of Education and Human Development, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA |
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| Abstract: | Drawing on a combination of prior experience, theoretical stance, and intuition, along with pedagogical practices identified to be effective in addressing diversity with teacher candidates, a model for teaching multicultural education to teacher candidates was designed. This study examined how particular elements of this model were effective in developing teacher candidate’s cultural competence. The results indicate that teacher candidates gained substantial knowledge about and experiences with issues of diversity by the end of the course. Participants pointed to the multiple methods employed in the class; in particular the interactive strategies, group work, diverse cultural experiences, and opportunities to critically reflect on these experiences as accounting for their gains. Their sense of ownership and understanding has given them the ability to use these strategies in their own future work. Implications for research and teacher education are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Multicultural education instructional methodology interactive strategies critical reflection cultural immersion |
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