Preservice Teachers' Changing Perspectives Following an International Early Childhood Education Experience in Sweden

• In Event: Teaching Perspectives and Learning Experiences: International Perspectives

Abstract

International field experiences embedded in teacher education curriculum provide valuable opportunities for teacher educators to expand the boundaries of their classrooms beyond the country and help their students transform their preconceived beliefs by experiencing how life and schooling happen in a global context. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine preservice teachers’ changing perspectives about young children, teachers, and the preschool environment following a study abroad program in Sweden. Eleven students from two institutions participated in the study. Data collected through participant field observation notes, reflection papers, interviews, and an online forum discussion revealed that the participants’ views were significantly impacted regarding children’s rights, risk assessment of learning environments, teachers as professionals and family-centered social policies.

Authors

• Jale Aldemir, Coppin State University
  Presenting Author

• Hengameh Kermani, University of North Carolina - Wilmington
  Presenting Author