RR 90-6 Prospective teachers' views of diverse learners: A study of the participants in the ABCD Project
Abstract
Using data from pre- and postprogram questionnaires and interviews, the authors describe the views that a group of 17 student teachers drawn from five Michigan universities hold of culturally diverse learners both before and after a three-day workshop intended to influence their views. The authors found that the multicultural presentations had little effect on students' beliefs--about the capabilities of learners labelled "high" and "low" ability, about the use of stereotypes in making teaching decisions, or about providing genuinely equal opportunities to learn challenging and empowering subject matter. The authors suggest that teacher educators may need to rethink both the content and pedagogy of opportunities to learn about teaching culturally diverse learners.