Mapping Cultural Diversity Awareness: A Case Study of Transformative Learning in Preservice Teacher Education

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: Developing Innovative Programs to Develop Preservice Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Diversity

Abstract

As student populations become increasingly diverse, it is important for teacher education programs to focus on preparing preservice teachers for the culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms in which they are most likely to teach. Many teacher education programs already recognize the importance of cultivating cultural diversity awareness; however, there is still a need for additional research. Accordingly, this study uses social cartography to map preservice teachers’ perceptions of cultural diversity awareness during the first-year field experience. As a compliment to narrative discourse, mapping provides an opportunity to visualize not only the spatial nature of the educational experience, but also, in this case, the importance of developing an awareness of and an appreciation for students of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Author

• Daniel Casebeer, Seton Hill University