A pre-service teacher’s use of a culturally relevant text with interracial themes

Abstract

This study examined a pre-service teacher’s use of a culturally rele- vant text with interracial themes for a first grade student. This exploration occurred in an urban primary school that did not otherwise recognize the student’s dual heritage. Journal documentation and field notes reveal the pre-service teacher’s selection of the text, her use of reading strategies and comprehension questions to engage the student and support her racial identity. Results suggest a need for pre- and in-service teacher development to understand and support the identity development of biracial children.

Reference

Hill, K. D. (2017). A pre-service teacher's use of a culturally relevant text with interracial themes. Teacher Education and Practice, 30(3), 487-500.

Journal

Teacher Education and Practice

Analysis

Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?

Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?

Research Approach

Qualitiative

Geographic Setting

Southeast Michigan

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

Not stated

Programatic Focus

not stated

Research Location Context

Elementary school

Preservice Participants

Undergraduates (university based program)

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

4 months

Data Sources

Observations
Written reflections

Data Analysis Tools

coding (non-specific)

Researcher Positionality

inside (staying their own students)

Research Questions

1. What is the nature of preparation for selecting and teaching with appropriate texts for biracial students?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

2. What is the nature of practices facilitated by the preservice teacher?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

3. How does the student respond to the literature as a result of connecting with Freeman and Freeman's (2004) criteria for culturally relevant texts?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

4. What is the pre-service teacher's perspective surrounding implementation of a text with interracial themes?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes