A Look Back to Move Forward: Transforming an Education Department Toward Multiculturalism

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Promoting Critical Awareness of Diversity in Teacher Preparation

Abstract

This study examined an education department’s efforts to transform into a multicultural organization. The research question was how does an education department in a small, private university approach transforming its identity to better prepare its pre-service teachers for a diverse society? The investigation was theoretically grounded in the Multicultural Organization Development model and the Practice Dimensions of Multicultural Teacher Education. Results of a theoretical thematic analysis of the purposes behind faculty members’ assignments showed evidence across the levels of criticality with a majority in Teaching with Multicultural Competence and in the Affirming organizational stage. Some courses would benefit from activities that challenge students to think about the sociopolitical context of teaching or social activism.

Authors

• Adrienne C Goss, Ohio Northern University

• Ronald D. Kieffer, Ohio Northern University

• Diana Garlough, Ohio Northern University

• Kevin D. Cordi, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Albert Akyeampong, OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY