I Knew the Program Was for "At-Risk Youth": The Changing Perspectives of Preservice Educators Taking a Community-Based Course in a Linguistically and Culturally Diverse After-School Program

• In Event: The Centrality of Community as a Site for Learning: Interrogating Beliefs, Relationship, and Curriculum

Abstract

This study examined the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of undergraduate students taking a community-based course in a culturally and linguistically diverse community. In particular, the study sought to examine students meaning-making of the community cultural context, and how course content and fieldwork experiences might shift or inform their understandings of the cultural strengths and equity gaps within the community. The study findings include students’ initial understandings and beliefs about the community’s strengths and challenges, which were documented at the beginning of the semester. We then share findings from the students’ final report and examine their emerging understanding of the community cultural wealth, language practices, and their own positionality as future educators. Implications and recommendations for practice will be discussed.

Authors

• Quaylan Allen, Chapman University

• Delis Cuellar, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Daniel Noriega, Chapman University