Teacher Education for Inclusion: Preparing Student Teachers to Work in Multicultural Classrooms

• In Event: Rethinking Teacher Education Pedagogy: Multifaceted Approaches for Implementing Equity Pedagogy

Abstract

This paper discusses a research project which investigates how teacher educators prepare student teachers to work in schools with growing diversity. The participants were teacher educators who teach courses in general pedagogy and subject teaching at pre, primary, and secondary school levels. Data was collected through focus group meetings. The findings show that the teacher educators attempt to prepare student teachers for teaching in multicultural classrooms by organizing their courses in ways which take into account students’ diverse backgrounds and needs. They utilize a variety of approaches and practices in their teaching which are learner-centered and inclusive. They model effective teaching practices and provide students with opportunities to broaden their experience and understanding of working with diverse groups of students.

Authors

• Samuel Currey Lefever, University of Iceland

• Hafdis Gudjonsdottir, University of Iceland

• Jonina Vala Kristinsdottir, University of Iceland

• Gunnhildur Oskarsdottir, University of Iceland