Exploring Prospective Early Education Professionals' Cultural Competence Working With Asian/Asian American Communities

• In Event: Multicultural Competence of Preservice Teachers/Teacher Candidates and Curriculum

Abstract

Although PEEPs’ cultural competence is receiving attention and Asian/Asian Americans (A/AA) are the fastest-growing racial/cultural groups, little research exists about their cultural competence working with A/AA communities. Three PEEPs participated in this study, and their three-part Cultural Understanding Project assignments, resulting in a total of nine written reports, were analyzed. The findings indicate that PEEPs exhibited mixed and somewhat conflicting awareness and attitudes toward A/AA communities. It was also found that PEEPs’ authentic experiences were rather limited; however, they continued to make efforts to develop their cultural knowledge. This study suggests that we should recognize PEEPs’ lived experiences, which could vary widely, and provide cultural competence training for teacher preparation programs and/or professional development.

Authors

• Yafen Lo, California State University - Los Angeles

• Su-Jeong Wee, California State University - Los Angeles

• Sophia Han, University of South Florida

• Ines M. Torres, University of California - Los Angeles