Investigating the Effects of a Multicultural Perspectives Course on Preservice Teachers’ Intercultural Sensitivity

• In Event: Roundtable Session 95
  In Roundtable Session: Teaching About Race, Diversity, and Difference: Preparing Preservice Teachers for Teaching in a Multicultural Global Society

Abstract

The purpose of this proposal is to present the results of an investigation examining the cultural competence of preservice special education teacher candidates through the contents of a multicultural perspectives course. Presenters will describe the components of the course and discuss its impact on teacher candidates’ intercultural sensitivity. Participants’ intercultural sensitivity mean score suggested that their intercultural competence needs to be improved. The results showed no significant difference in the overall mean developmental scores between pre- and post-tests. However, there were significant differences between the pre-posttest scores in Perceived orientation and Acceptance cluster. A significantly higher perceived score was identified suggesting that participants overestimated their level of intercultural sensitivity. Gender and education level were significant predictors of posttest developmental scores.

Authors

• Yaoying Xu, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Chenfang Hao, Virginia Commonwealth University