Becoming Bicultural Educators: A Self-Study Exploring Inclusive Practice

• In Event: 25.083 - MTCC Roundtable Session Eight
  In Roundtable Session: 25.083-4 - Exploring Culture and Equity Through Self-Study

Abstract

Learning the language of the indigenous people enabled a powerful means for rethinking and enacting a more culturally responsive teacher education practice. In this self-study two teacher educators enrolled in a foundation level year-long Maori language course to learn the indigenous language of their country and asked a language teacher educator to be a critical friend. They compiled journal entries which documented their progress, challenges and reflections and emailed their critical friend regularly. The outcomes of their collaborative analysis can be grouped as: insights gained as second language adult learners; heightened awareness and empathy for students in their own classes; and enhanced culturally appropriate pedagogy.

Authors

• Dawn Garbett, University of Auckland

• Alan Ovens, University of Auckland

• Lynn A. Thomas, Université de Sherbrooke