Examining Ecuadorian Teachers' Perspectives on Their Students' Multiculturalism

• In Event: 63.085 - MTCC Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 63.085-2 - Multicultural and Diversity Learning for Educators Across the Americas

Abstract

This study investigated Ecuadorian teachers’ attitudes towards multilingual students. This work was informed by findings from two previous studies consisting of observations and interviews with secondary school teachers (Authors, 2016; 2017). In this mixed methods study, 26 teachers completed a 22 question Likert Scale questionnaire, which explored their awareness of the influences of students’ cultural norms on classroom instruction. In small focus groups, participants responded to three open ended questions, documenting their definition of multiculturalism, and philosophies of how to create a culturally responsive classroom. Findings suggest that Ecuador’s teachers are aware of the diversity within their country. The teachers report their training did not stress pedagogy’s need to consider cultural influences on teaching and learning.

Authors

• Ximena D. Burgin, Northern Illinois University

• Mayra C. Daniel, Northern Illinois University