Purpose: The purpose of this study was to challenge pre-service teachers' (PSTs) assumptions about youth readers, the researcher in this study invited a group of three seventh-grade students to attend a multicultural young adult (YA) literature class designed for PSTs at a large mid-western university. Design/methodology/approach: Using…

This paper discusses and examines the effectiveness of course assignments designed to promote reflection processes and critical thinking of pre-service teachers. Specifically, the study explores and identifies the range of students' level of reflectivity and critical examination of their own developing pedagogy, with foci on content knowledge,…

"I don't know if I could teach in an urban area because I have never been to a school in the city and I don't know how I would react," stated a student in a teacher education program. Other students had similar concerns prior to visiting schools on an American Indian reservation. Two field experiences were organized for the students in…