Education for democracy and equality: the experiences, values and attitudes of ethnic minority student teachers

Abstract

Abstract The education of teachers is a key issue in the development of education for a multicultural society. Education for democracy implies the full participation of all groups, including ethnic minorities, and demands the exploration of shared values. Despite concerns over racism in education, the failure of schools to meet the needs of black pupils and calls that more black teachers be employed, the number of ethnic minority students recruited into teaching remains low. The evidence, notably from the UK Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), suggests that their career prospects are often poor. This paper examines the experiences of ethnic minority students following postgraduate teacher education courses at UK universities. It explores the student's own experiences of schooling, their motivations for entering teaching, and their perceptions of how far their education prepares both themselves and their white colleagues for teaching in a multicultural society. The paper also considers the values and attitudes of student teachers and their perceptions of their role in promoting equality and justice in schools. Finally, it suggests some ways in which teacher education courses might more successfully promote education for democracy and equality.