Preservice Teachers' Perceptions of Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: Is Cultural Competence Possible?

• In Event: Experiencing Race in the Schoolhouse: Unpacking the Intersectional Classroom Experience

Abstract

Culturally competent teachers are in high demand as culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) student populations increase in the U.S. For this reason, in this study, an instrument was designed to measure pre-service teachers’ perceptions of cultural competence in teaching CLD students. The results indicated respondents’ high disposition, openness, and comfort levels about learning about their students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds. In contrast, the respondents acknowledged having limited training and experiences to prepare them to teach and interact with diverse student populations. The study reinforces the importance of providing pre-service teachers with ongoing opportunities during their teacher preparation programs to develop cultural competence and, consequently, culturally responsive teaching (CRT) skills before graduating.

Authors

• Clarisse Halpern, Florida Gulf Coast University
  Presenting Author

• Burhan Ozfidan, Florida Gulf Coast University
  Presenting Author

• Shahid Rasool, Florida Gulf Coast University
  Presenting Author