ERIC Number: ED513175
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 278
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: ISBN-978-1-1092-8422-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Preparing Teachers for Diverse Contexts: A Collective Case Study of Critical Reflection
Ramirez, Laurie A.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Utah
This collective case study focused on 4 novice teachers' reflections on diversity in their classrooms and schools. The 4 participants were followed throughout their final year of an undergraduate, secondary teacher education program and into their 1st year of teaching in public secondary schools. This research was an effort to engage preservice/novice teachers in the process of critical reflection, which goes beyond the immediacy of the classroom and considers the sociopolitical impact of teaching. Critical reflection is defined here as a conscious examination of one's beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about teaching and students with an emphasis on transformation of beliefs and practices. It is believed to benefit both teachers and students in that it considers the larger consequences of teaching (personal, social, academic, political), especially in diverse contexts. Data collected include interviews, observations, written reflections, class assignments and discussions, focus groups, personal communication, and researcher field notes. Individual cases were developed for each of the 4 participants and those cases were analyzed for individual themes. Cases were then analyzed collectively, resulting in four emergent themes: divergent definitions of diversity, discomfort with diversity, dispositions toward diversity, and contributing factors in critical reflection. Although reflective habits ranged greatly, 2 participants showed evidence of critical reflection, recognizing the consequences of their work beyond the classroom walls into the local and global communities. The 2 additional participants attributed their lack of critical reflection to many factors, including time constraints, few students of diversity, and demands of curriculum and assessment. The study not only investigated the actual reflections of these participants but also explored the factors that prompted them to engage in critical reflection. These findings are presented in light of the information they might provide for other teacher educators who believe critical reflection is an essential component in the preparation of prospective teachers. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Beginning Teachers, Reflective Teaching, Preservice Teacher Education, Teacher Education Programs, Secondary Education, Teacher Influence, Student Diversity, Teacher Educators, Case Studies, Assignments, Focus Groups
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Author Affiliations: N/A