Focus on Equity: Preparing Preservice Teachers Through Dialogue Across Distance and Difference

• In Event: 25.028 - Innovative Teacher Education Program Designs

Abstract

Pre-service teachers in the United States are usually introduced to ideas about culturally responsive teaching during their teacher preparation programs. Some of those pre-service teachers have limited exposure to and engagement with racial, linguistic, religious and economic diversity. This exploratory action research project used video-conferencing technology to connect ten pre-service teachers from two universities located in different geographic locations. Through paired-conversations and group discussions we created what Wegerif (2007) describes as “a shared space where people can be different together." This research examines the process of building dialogic bridges across distance and difference. As participants moved toward wider and deeper dialogues, they built a community of pre-service teacher colleagues and developed professional skills and dispositions.

Authors

• Amy Damrow, Kent State University - Stark

• Jacquelyn Sue Sweeney, Bowie State University