We’re actually comfortable with diversity: Affirming teacher candidates for culturally relevant reading pedagogy in urban practicum
Abstract
This article chronicles the perspectives of two teacher candidates who displayed comfort with cultural issues and teaching for social justice, in contrast with many of their peers in the program who were uncomfortable with diversity. Their field experiences in a piloted urban reading practicum are documented, as part of a partnership with a neighboring urban community school district. The modified program was intended to prepare teacher candidates for the urban teaching context and culturally relevant literacy teaching. Teacher candidates were placed with caring teachers in urban metro-Detroit schools who employed a variety of skills-based and whole language pedagogies, which corresponded with beliefs posited by the university, and within the parameters of curriculum constraints. Participation in the program incorporated a tutoring model, which required teacher candidates' active, systematic enactment of the balanced reading approach with students enrolled in the classrooms of cooperating teachers. Response journals, interviews, pre- and postsurveys, and celebration essays were implemented to document teacher candidates' affirmation toward teaching in an urban setting.
Reference
Hill, K. D. (2012). We're actually comfortable with diversity: Affirming teacher candidates for culturally relevant reading pedagogy in urban practicum. Action in Teacher Education, 34(5/6), 420-432. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01626620.2012.729472
Journal
Action in Teacher Education
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
- Literacy Education
- Urban Education
Research Location Context
Preservice Participants
- Undergraduates (university based program)
Preservice Sample Size
2
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- "celebration essay"
- Interviews
- Pre/Post survey
- Reflective journals
Data Analysis Tools
- Integrated and excerpt style
Researcher Positionality
Research Questions
What are factors that contribute to comfort with diversity and urban settings?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
In what ways are candidates affirmed toward being prepared for teaching in an urban setting and culturally relevant teaching?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown
How do teacher candidates respond to instructional decisions enacted by their cooperating teachers?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown
What is the nature of teacher candidates' understanding of linking theories embedded in balanced literacy and practice?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown