Teacher Preparation in a Local Context: Field Experiences in Rural Alaska

• In Event: Developing the Cultural Competence of Preservice Teachers Through Field Experience on Four Continents

Abstract

Access to quality education for all Alaskan’s plays a critical role for sustaining healthy communities in a fast changing global context. A retainable effective teacher workforce with knowledge about culturally guided teaching and an appreciation of the environment is key for engaging students in meaningful learning. The purpose of this article is to review findings from a study designed to identify the effectiveness of a rural practicum as part of a teacher education program in Alaska. A mixed-methods research approach was used to describe the impact of a rural practicum on preservice teachers’ understanding of teaching and living in rural-small school communities with predominantly indigenous cultures. Results suggest that participants felt better informed about teaching and living in rural communities.

Authors

• Ute Kaden, The University of Alaska - Fairbanks

• Philip Patrick Patterson, The University of Alaska - Fairbanks