Combating Stereotypes Through Direct Experiences: Impacts of Professional Development About Religious Diversity Though Site Visits

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

Abstract

As the media propagates myths and fears about religious minorities, few teachers are prepared to respond to the implications of growing religious diversity. The status quo of avoiding religion in public school classroom is unsustainable, and there is a critical need for meaningful professional learning about religion. Applying experiential learning theory (Kolb, 1984) and a lived religions approach (Goldschmidt, 2013), this paper examines four professional development courses about religious diversity and teachers’ experiences of site visits to different religious communities. Results point to meaningful changes in teachers’ conceptualizations of religious difference and the importance of opportunities to engage with diverse religious communities, equipping teachers to foster classrooms welcoming to students from all religious backgrounds.

Author

• Kate Soules, Boston College