Understanding the Challenges of Diversity: Analyzing a Restructured Curriculum

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Division G Section 5 Poster Session: Social Context of Research on Schools and Communities

Abstract

Teacher education is plagued by challenges pertaining to preservice teachers’ attitudes toward diversity issues and the impact that these attitudes can have on instructional practices and teacher-student relationships. The study measures preservice teacher attitudes toward gender, race and SES issues over the course of a semester, at a university located in Appalachia, a region historically noted for its politically and socially conservative ideas and resistance and distrust of outsiders. Students enrolled in two classes served as the population, N = 34. Their attitudes were measured at the outset and conclusion of the semester, via use of semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, student attitudes will be analyzed via journaling assignments. Analysis of data will occur in summer and fall 2011.

Authors

• Sandra Riegle, Morehead State University

• Kitty Belinda Warsame, Morehead State University