At a time when schools are becoming increasingly diverse in composition, this study
explored five student teachers' perspectives on the changing role of teachers in a
multicultural society. By using a constructivist framework and qualitative methodologies,
interviews were conducted with student teachers in a Canadian elementary teacher
education program.
Two data sets consisting of one-on-one interviews were collected. The first set was
collected after students had completed a thirteen week practicum. The second set was
conducted after the student teachers had completed program requirements and had
graduated from university with an education degree.
Students' conceptualizations of the teacher's role in culturally diverse classrooms are
described in six categories: bridging gaps in knowledge; being proactive as a role model;
nurturing self-esteem and personal pride in heritage; focusing on care, respect, and
acceptance; creating a safe and inclusive environment; resisting the lure of assimilation and
the status quo. Life experiences which were influential in the formation of the students'
conceptualizations are also described and organized by theme.
The results of the study demonstrate that conceptualizations traversed a range of
philosophical arguments outlined by theorists, and students' beliefs reflect key elements of
conceptions portrayed in the approaches used to meet the needs of culturally diverse
classrooms described in the literature. The findings underscore the need for multicultural
theory in teacher education and for a pedagogical approach which encourages students to
become reflective practitioners who are able to examine and critique personal beliefs in
relation to the evolving needs of a multicultural society.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/8372 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Wong, Nellie Susan |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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