The Influence of University Coursework on Pre-service Middle and High School Teachers’ Experiences with Multicultural Themes
Source: Journal of Science Teacher Education, Volume 20, Number 4 / August 2009, Pages 313-332.
The study examined the influence of university-based teacher education courses on pre-service middle and high school teachers’ experiences with multicultural themes in a secondary science alternative certification program.
Eight participants, six women and two men, participated in the study that took place over a period of four semesters. Qualitative data was collected, coded and analyzed to make meaning of the participants’ experiences.
Data comprised of participants’ reflective journals, personal and group interviews, and classroom observations done in middle school practicum and high school student teaching placements.
The findings indicated that while the participants became more familiar with the themes of multicultural education, many did not demonstrate fluency with these themes and struggled with balancing their responsibilities as a science teacher and a culturally competent teacher.