Reframing Perspectives of Urban Youth: Can Field Experiences in Urban Schools Shift Future Educators Perceptions and Assumptions?

• In Event: Research in Progress: Teacher Perspectives & Dispositions

Abstract

This study emerged from discussions about how to help future educators uncover, examine, and reframe their assumptions about urban students, particularly those whose backgrounds differ from their own. While students in the United States are now more racially and ethnically diverse, the majority of future educators remain middle class, white, female, and have limited experiences with those culturally different than themselves, thus creating an increasing need to address the growing culture gap between students and teachers. Drawing upon culturally relevant, culturally responsive, and culturally sustaining pedagogies, this research investigates the impact of field-based educational experiences on teacher and principal candidates’ perceptions towards urban youth. This study will ultimately present the perspectives, experiences, and insights of future educators and provide practical suggestions to enhance the success of field experiences in K-12 schools, and suggest implications for teacher education programs.

Authors

• Jennifer Olson, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Marlon I Cummings, Governor State University

• Arthi B Rao, University of Illinois at Chicago