Teachers For Diverse Classrooms Research Articles

Adapting feedback to the demands of teaching in diverse classrooms. Novel feedback concepts for preservice teachers during practicum

ABSTRACT During their practical training, feedback for preservice teachers should address the demands of diverse classrooms. Using the critical incident technique within a participatory research framework, this study investigated whether and how mentors adjust their feedback in this regard. Based on a sample of 33 preservice teachers and 46 mentor teachers in German primary and lower secondary education, the results indicate that although pupils’ differing prerequisites clearly presented challenges for preservice teachers, only part of the mentors referred in their feedback to these demands. Mentors who adapted their feedback referred to well-known methods for addressing differences in pupil performance and background and suggested specific novel strategies by specifying what is possible and expedient (or not) when pupils’ prerequisites and backgrounds differ. These methods were found to enhance preservice teachers’ self-efficacy and competencies in teaching diverse classes, and mutual diversity-oriented feedback also benefited mentors. In conclusion, the study identifies implications for feedback development.

“Most of His Teachers Had ‘Given Up’”: Preparing Future Educators to Critically Examine Their Multifaceted Instructional Demands

This article presents an approach to teacher education that combines case-based pedagogy, action research, and communities of practice, which ultimately conceptualizes preservice teachers (PSTs) as problem solvers. Eleven PSTs conducted research and authored reports during their student teaching experiences in a large, metropolitan school district. This study examined the PSTs’ reports to better understand how they deepened their understanding of the multifaceted demands of teaching in diverse classrooms. The findings demonstrate how PSTs used their research to navigate their role as students/teachers, identify classroom limitations and resources, and persist through challenges. These findings contribute implications for teacher education and new directions for research, including increasing PSTs’ opportunities to collaborate within a professional learning community, providing spaces to self-reflect on actions and biases, and supporting strategic problem-solving. Ultimately, this approach to teacher education reinforced the idea of teachers as continuous learners who partner with their community of educators to meet the fundamental goal of improving student learning in urban schools.

Storylines in Voices of Frustration: Implications for Mathematics Teacher Education in Changing Times

We have interviewed becoming mathematics teachers, in the last semester of their education, asking how they experience their time as teacher students with the focus on inclusive teaching. In their forthcoming daily work, they will be responsible for arranging for inclusive teaching that addresses all the learners’ needs in mathematics. We believe the voices of future teachers are important to include in conversations about how programs prepare future mathematics teachers for the work of teaching in today’s schools and classrooms. We used storylines as a theoretical construct to discuss the socio-political aspects of mathematics teacher education through the lens of two research questions: What storylines emerged in interviews with becoming mathematics teachers in their last semester of teacher education when they talked about teaching in diverse classrooms? What implications might these storylines have on mathematics teacher education? Our analysis made us aware of three important storylines: (1) storylines about the importance of language in mathematics education; (2) storylines about the importance of accepting diverse methods when doing mathematics; and (3) storylines about issues of invisibility at play in mathematics classrooms. In this paper, we discuss the importance of creating space for discussions in teacher education about issues that may challenge inclusive practices in mathematics classrooms.

Multi-Lens Noticing in Preservice Teachers’ First Attempts at Facilitating Discussion in Diverse English Classes

Background: Classroom discourse featuring meaning making supports students achieving discipline-specific learning. However, moving beyond recitation requires developing beliefs, skills, structures, and practices. Any theorizing we do about developing discussion practice must attend to realities of culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. Purpose: Our study offers a teacher education innovation that prepares ELA candidates to facilitate discussion, framed by a set of noticing lenses: noticing for collaborative communication, content learning, and equity. We asked: As they reflected on their first attempts at facilitating discussion in diverse secondary ELA classes, what did preservice teachers (PSTs) notice about their discussion practices and students’ engagement and response patterns? Participants: Our study features an inquiry course in a teacher credential program. Participants were 83 PSTs pursuing secondary English credentials, student teaching in diverse classrooms. Three-fifths identified as White, with 39% identifying as PSTs of color. Design: We constructed a database of multipage essays in which PSTs reflected on videotaped discussion tryouts. We developed a coding scheme from research literature and emerging themes from data review to capture what PSTs noticed. We organized themes conceptually using and adapting a multi-lens noticing framework. Additionally, we constructed vignettes to explore ways two PSTs were noticing discussion engagements among their diverse learners. Results: We found evidence of all three noticing lenses in the data. Of the three lenses, collaborative communication was densest. PSTs were preoccupied with “getting students talking.” PSTs also reflected on attempts at co-constructing meaning and tracking flow of ideas. Three-fourths documented noticing of cross-content literacy development. Fewer PSTs demonstrated attending to collaborative interpretation of literary works, an important aspect of ELA-specific discussion. Although PSTs were beginning to leverage cultural and linguistic knowledge, many were not yet responding to or educating about racism and other forms of bias. To demonstrate multi-lens noticing in practice, we present two vignettes of how PSTs interpreted salient moments in classroom discussion. Conclusions: Our research provides a launching for understanding what PSTs notice in early stages of leading discussion and highlights what is needed to jump-start this process early. Findings underscore the need to build authentic and tangible discussion-leading practice, with deeper attention to ELA disciplinary goals and equity. Our study highlights a framework as an analytical and pedagogical tool to help PSTs organize and reflect on emerging discussion practices. Framework and findings may serve as a heuristic for teacher educators committed to fostering learning about equitable discussion.

Music in the Lives of Immigrant Children: A Review of Literature

As a growing number of immigrant children enter formal music education, research is crucial to understand their experiences and to promote culturally relevant and socially just music education pedagogies. Whereas, researchers have traditionally focused on immigrant adolescents and music, I chose to synthesize studies on musical childhood in immigration contexts. In addition, this review draws on the acculturation literature to interpret music research findings. Researchers have documented meanings and forms of immigrant children’s musical engagement in formal and informal learning contexts. Research findings have indicated that immigrant children mix different musical traditions while using music to navigate their bicultural identities. Several studies have also addressed the perspectives of immigrant parents and the challenges of music teachers in diverse classrooms. Although this body of literature has provided descriptive accounts of musical childhood in immigration contexts, studies have offered valuable suggestions for more effective musical activities in multicultural learning environments.

Educators’ experiences as K-12 students and efficacy for teaching in diverse schools

PurposeSignificant differences exist in the racial composition of America’s student and teacher populations. This reality is compounded by the racial re-segregation patterns affecting many schools and systems in the USA. These trends make it increasingly less likely that educators encounter racial diversity during their experiences as K-12 students and more likely that they encounter racial diversity as educators. This paper aims to present the results of a study designed to explore the consequences of this reality on those educators’ abilities to successfully reach their students?Design/methodology/approachThe present study used a quantitative exploratory design. Data were analyzed to determine if educators’ experiences as K-12 students affected their present self-efficacy for teaching in diverse classrooms, their self-efficacy for using culturally responsive techniques, and their confidence in the merits of deploying these approaches in classrooms.FindingsData from the present study suggest that educators whose school experiences included significant interactions in racially diverse settings are significantly more likely to possess a higher level of self-efficacy than those who do not.Originality/valueThis study illuminates an unexplored consequence of school resegregation and lends support for efforts to diversify the teaching force and resist school resegregation.

Being plurilingual versus becoming a linguistically sensitive teacher: tensions in the discourse of initial teacher education students

ABSTRACT The beliefs of pre-service teachers in initial teacher education (ITE) in Catalonia about plurilingualism and teaching in diverse classrooms are analysed and tensions in their discourse are observed. Following the analysis of discourse in interaction (e.g. Heller [2005]. Discourse and interaction. In D. Schiffrin, D. Tannen, & H. E. Hamilton (Eds.), The handbook of discourse analysis (pp. 250–264). Blackwell Publishers Ltd), we analyse data from an individual reflection task and subsequent focus group discussion in which pre-service teachers discuss their ideas about linguistically sensitive teaching. Our findings suggest that pre-service teachers have very positive ideas regarding being plurilingual speakers. However, when positioning themselves as teachers, the feelings they express about linguistic diversity in schools become negative. These ideas are linked to ideological constructions that circulate, for example, in European institutional discourses about multi/plurilingualism and in neoliberal conceptions of languages and learning. We suggest that more spaces for discussion and reflection are needed in ITE in order to promote linguistically sensitive teaching among future practitioners.

A poststructural analysis of study abroad as teacher preparation pedagogy: Thinking through theory for generative practice

ABSTRACT Scholarship in teacher education reflects study abroad as established pedagogy and part of ‘best practices’ in preparing K-12 teachers for diverse classrooms. Three discourses dominate the literature to affirm the positive role of study abroad: (a) changing White preservice teachers’ perceptions of self and others; (b) increasing their multicultural knowledge and global-mindedness; and, (c) developing competencies for culturally responsive classroom practice. In drawing from several scholars, this article uses poststructural analysis to trouble the above discourses that articulate study abroad within normalizing conceptions of self and other, universal worldview of multicultural knowledge and global-mindedness, and fixed conceptualization of culturally responsive teaching, so that new ways of thinking about disciplinary knowledge and pedagogical practice emerge. This article recommends teacher education pedagogies include critical frames of analyses when interpreting study abroad experiences for thinking through theory for generative practice and reclaiming epistemic reflexivity in how we do research.

Inclusive pedagogy: From learning to action. Supporting each individual in the context of ‘everybody’

This paper draws from a novel study of graduates from a one year Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) course at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. The study explored how beginning teachers in their various contexts used the theoretical ideas of inclusive pedagogy. Observation and interview data were analysed to reveal linkages between the principles that informed the course and the practices of programme graduates. By drawing on examples from the data that illustrate inclusive pedagogy in action, questions are addressed about how teachers in diverse classrooms create learning environments with opportunities that are available to everybody.

Should teachers be colorblind? How multicultural and egalitarian beliefs differentially relate to aspects of teachers' professional competence for teaching in diverse classrooms

This study uses the framework of professional competence to investigate the relationship between two cultural beliefs, multiculturalism and colorblindness, and different aspects of professional competence for teaching immigrant students. Results from path model analyses with 433 beginning teachers showed that participants with multicultural beliefs reported higher motivational orientations (self-efficacy and enthusiasm for teaching, and more integrative career motives), more positive values (lower agreement with negative stereotypes), and more reported willingness to adapt their teaching. Colorblind beliefs showed no relationships to the former constructs and were negatively related to reported willingness to adapt teaching to culturally diverse students.

Multicultural apprenticeships in teacher education

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical structure of what we call multicultural apprenticeships in teacher education. This structure is drawn from decades of scholarship and research in teacher education, in general, and in preparing teachers for diversity, in particular. It is further situated within our own work in an Early Childhood Education Masters in Education program and our commitments to preparing teachers to support diverse populations of children. Three different multicultural apprenticeships are used to provide concrete examples of the characteristics of this approach to preparing teachers for diverse classrooms.

Professional Resources: Teaching in Diverse Classrooms

The Professional Resources section provides foundational texts for exploring this topic along with Web tools and a historical timeline.

Implementing a disciplinary-literacy curriculum for US history: learning from expert middle school teachers in diverse classrooms

In recent years, educators in the USA have emphasized disciplinary literacy as an essential path forward in cultivating adolescents’ understanding of subject matter in tandem with literacy practices. Yet, this agenda poses challenges to teachers who have been tasked with its implementation. Here, we examine two expert US history teachers’ efforts to implement curriculum that integrates reading, writing and thinking in history with academically diverse eighth graders. We conduct qualitative analyses of teacher observations and interviews as well as student work. This analysis provides insight into several issues that emerge in efforts to teach disciplinary literacy in history classrooms: the nuances of teachers’ use of curriculum materials created by people other than themselves, teachers’ appropriation and adaptation of curriculum materials and teachers’ understanding of curriculum materials and disciplinary literacy goals. We find that teachers’ knowledge of the discipline and attention to students’ ideas allowed them to skillfully adapt the curriculum to better meet students’ needs and push students’ thinking. Orienting teachers toward disciplinary learning, ensuring a foundational understanding of their discipline and providing teachers with tools to teach disciplinary literacy are important steps to help students meet the demands of the disciplinary literacy agenda.

White faculty transforming whiteness in the classroom through pedagogical practice

The primary objective of this qualitative study is to present a conceptual framework of pedagogical practices reported by white faculty that serve to challenge the hegemony of whiteness in the university classroom. These transformative teaching practices surfaced through a review of racialized pedagogies discussed in the literature and in interviews with a small sample of white faculty formally or informally recognized for their skill teaching in diverse classrooms. In an effort to bring greater resonance to these teaching practices, parallels are drawn between these practices and behaviors that take place in everyday social relations that also serve to transform white dominance. Included here are the following forms of interactions: Expressing racial awareness by disclosing personal whiteness, acknowledging and attending to plurality and revealing patterns of white hegemony; and challenging white supremacy by creating alliances and acting to alter structures and cultures. Presentation of these findings in a categorization system provides clarity about some ways whiteness is being transformed within higher education and offers a pragmatic guide for faculty and postsecondary institutions committed to faculty development around diversity issues.

The Early Findings of an Urban Education Teacher Preparation Program

A university near a major city in Georgia and a large, urban school district established a Professional Development School (PDS) in which the majority of junior and senior-level pre-service teacher coursework and fieldwork took place at seven urban, high-needs public schools. The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary feedback to the middle grades teacher preparation program concerning the UE (Urban Education) program in preparation for the second cohort of UE interns and the second year of study with the first cohort. What emerged from the study was evidence that the program, for its participating teacher candidates, leads to commitment, strengthens self-efficacy, and fosters early development of teacher efficacy, but which ultimately evolves into teacher candidate overconfidence. As pressure continues to mount concerning the quality of education in America, teacher preparation programs must improve their programs in order to better prepare teachers for diverse classrooms. This study relates one such effort toward that end.

The Engaged Dialogue: Reflections on Preparing African American Teachers for Diverse Classrooms

“I’m not saying that you or anyone else in this department is racist. I am saying that we—me included—struggle to teach our African American students, especially young Black men, and we need to dea...

Diversity Topics Covered in Teaching of Psychology Courses

Teaching of psychology courses trains graduate students in pedagogy, but little is known about how diversity is addressed in these courses. A survey of instructors in teaching of psychology courses assessed their coverage of diversity and classroom bias, as well as the instructional methods used to cover them. Results indicated that 87% of instructors covered diversity issues, and 78% covered bias that occurs in the classroom. Instructors who covered diversity and bias devoted 3 to 5 hr to the topics and primarily used traditional instructional methods, such as discussion, readings, and lectures. Older instructors tended to cover fewer topics than younger instructors. Although diversity topics are part of teaching of psychology courses, it is unlikely that the time devoted to the topics is sufficient preparation for teaching in diverse classrooms.

Unlikely teachers: redefining the best and the brightest

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to explore the unique perspectives of a teacher candidate who did not have the life experiences typical of most individuals who choose to become teachers. Specifically, the author was interested in exploring information that future teachers, practicing teachers, and teacher educators can learn from this atypical perspective to improve their practices.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study of one teacher candidate. Specifically, it can be considered an instrumental case study because it can help the researcher better understand a theoretical question such as how to prepare new teachers for diverse classrooms. Data sources included five interviews and one written response. Member checks were conducted at each stage of the study.FindingsFindings and recommendations include information on how and why someone who dropped out of school after ninth grade became a teacher, important perspectives on educating Hispanic females, teaching students coping skills, understanding the realities that many students face in their personal lives, allowing teacher candidates to be completely honest in their reflections and using that as a springboard for dialogue, approaching teaching with eyes wide open, being honest with students, going beyond a concern about test scores to address the grittier needs of students, and recruiting teacher candidates from the Job Corps.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study include a fairly short‐time frame of two months. However, the study will continue over another ten months. Preliminary results are presented here. Data gathered after the participant has completed her first year of teaching, and perhaps later, will illustrate her changing perspectives as she gains teaching experience and the results of testing her approaches to teaching.Practical implicationsThe information in this study is a wake‐up call to educators, reminding us that individuals with troubled youths can become enlightened, compassionate, and wise teachers. Implications include valuable perspectives about teaching students whose lives differ greatly from those of most teacher candidates, informing future teachers, practicing teachers, and teacher educators as we prepare for a future in which student demographics will shift dramatically and teachers will be increasingly challenged to step out of their comfort zones for the sake of diverse children.Social implicationsIt is predicted that after 2050, Whites will be the new demographic minority. Yet, over 90 percent of teacher candidates are White, middle‐class, and monolingual individuals. We must turn our attention to preparing them for diverse classrooms, but also to recognizing the unique strengths of and the recruitment of diverse teachers, even those who have experienced difficulties in life such as drugs, abuse, and dropping out, if they possess the intelligence, maturity, wisdom, and insight to make schooling “work” for students like they were. It can reshape the futures of these children, giving them hope, inspiration, and the tools to succeed.Originality/valueThis study is unique in its focus on the motivation and capabilities of someone who does not fit the mold of a typical teacher candidate. She did not “play school” with dolls, make straight A's, or have a good time at school. Instead she grew up with drug addicted parents, quit school after ninth grade, and ran away […] for good. After living on the streets for a while, she joined the Job Corps and earned a General Educational Development. Now, having finished college and becoming certified to teach, her goal is to make a difference in the lives of kids like she was.

Book Review: An Ambitious Undertaking: Countering Mathematics and Science Teachers' Resistance to Teaching for Diversity: A Review of Preparing Mathematics and Science Teachers for Diverse Classrooms: Promising Strategies for Transformative Pedagogy

Inspirational stories about teachers who are able to transform students' lives pepper the literature (e.g., Ladson-Billings, 1994). Ladson-Billings described characteristics of culturally relevant teaching and then explored the stories of three teachers who enacted a personal pedagogy that led to high achievement among African American students. Stories such as these provide insights and can lead teachers to change aspects of their teaching practice. At times, teachers may be transformed by these success stories and radically change their actions. However, when teachers enact a new practice without an ideological shift in beliefs, the change is often superficial and may not result in the desired vision (Ball, 1992; Cohen, 1990; Fennema & Nelson, 1997). The question arises, how can teacher educators and professional developers help both practicing and prospective science and mathematics teachers recognize the need for culturally relevant pedagogy when science and mathematics are often considered devoid of culture?

Equity Education: A Longitudinal Study Comparing Multicultural Knowledge and Dispositions of Field-Based and Campus-Based Teacher Candidates

Two groups of teacher candidates, enrolled either in a field-based or campus-based program, were measured before and after their first semester of teacher education courses and again at the end of their student teaching semester. The two groups were compared regarding their knowledge of multicultural education issues, dispositions towards diverse populations, and their perception of confidence in teaching in diverse classrooms. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) with repeated measures indicated that there was a significant increase for both groups in multicultural knowledge after the first semester and that this knowledge was maintained throughout their program. Results also indicated that there was a significant increase in a positive attitude toward multicultural education for both groups after their first semester; however, this positive attitude was not maintained. In terms of perceived confidence in teaching, both groups increased after the first semester, and the field-based group continued to increase until the end of their undergraduate program. The findings suggest that the field-based experience continues to impact students' multicultural knowledge and their perceived self-efficacy.