How Internationally Minded Are Our Teachers? Examining In-Service Teachers' Understandings of Culture and International-Mindedness

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Learning, Learning Outcomes, and Global Vision

Abstract

The purpose of this study was further our understanding of how to better provide purposeful professional learning that promotes the development of teachers’ understanding of culture and international mindedness (IM). Forty-five teachers participated in the study, completing a survey instrument; a subset of the participants responded to interview questions. Results indicated that the teachers held varied understandings of culture and international mindedness and often struggled with how to apply these concepts in their instruction. This points to a need for teachers to acquire additional knowledge, skills and attitudes to fully embrace and apply IM in their instructional practice. Implications call for increased professional learning for teachers in these areas.

Authors

• Sydney A. Merz, George Mason University

• Rebecca K. Fox, George Mason University

• Kelley E Webb, George Mason University