Connecting Culture, Language, and Global Competence: Insight From Preservice Work Samples, Both Local and Abroad

• In Event: Around the World: Decreasing Boundaries of the Field Experience

Abstract

Preparation of culturally responsive educators who are globally aware and able to address the needs of linguistically diverse learners is the focus of this exploratory research project. Building on a conceptual model that considers the perspectives of multicultural, ELL and global education, the researchers examined preservice teachers’ work samples from two elementary literacy field experiences: a diverse northeast US city and Tuscany, Italy. Findings include developmental exemplars of responsive practices in the area of pedagogy, curriculum, learning environment and identity. Both the conceptual model and the findings inform teacher educators as they develop field experiences both locally and abroad and set program work sample expectations regarding preparation for global competence and cultural and linguistic diversity.

Authors

• Laura Boynton Hauerwas, Providence College

• Susan F. Skawinski, Providence College