Determining Preservice Teachers' Self-Efficacy for Classroom Diversity in an Elementary Education Teacher Preparation Program

• In Event: 26.079 - Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: 26.079-7 - Examining Teacher Candidate Attitudes on Diverse Learners

Abstract

Faculty in university teacher preparation programs are still searching for what works in school classrooms when working with diverse learners. As the percentage of diverse students grows, it becomes increasingly important to help pre-service teachers understand the importance of culture and context and how each impacts the teaching and learning process. In the current study, a pilot study, the Teacher Efficacy scale for Classroom Diversity (TESCD) was used to determine pre-service elementary education students’ perceived strengths and weaknesses in working with diverse students. The findings will help faculty in their current endeavor of program redesign.

Author

• Melinda K. Schoenfeldt, Ball State University