Creating Culturally Competent Teachers in Higher Education : As a Consequence of Cultural Immersion

This book presents evidence of a longitudinal study in teacher preparation utilizing a threefold multicultural (TFM) model of immersion. It establishes the need for culturally responsive teachers in classrooms, and outlines a proven model that can be employed to prepare them. Through the TFM model elements, pre-service teacher candidates participated in class-based, cohort fieldwork experience, and reflective journal writings and discussions. Evidence was gathered from pre- and post-questionnaires, interviews, classroom discussions, and journal writings, along with the inclusion of student voices. Pre-service teacher attitudes, beliefs, and degree of cultural responsiveness changed post-study, and candidates became more effective in the classroom, highlighting the effectiveness of the TFM model. This book is an invaluable resource for universities, under- and postgraduate students, and teachers across the globe as it provides a teacher preparation fieldwork model that helps to prepare culturally responsive teachers for children in any classroom.