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Multicultural Learning and Teaching

Editor-in-Chief: Obiakor, Festus / Algozzine, Robert

Managing Editor: Banks, Tachelle

Online
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2161-2412
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Coming to Understand Diversity and Education: Life Experiences and Educational Opportunities

Steven Paul Chamberlain
  • Corresponding author
  • Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, University of Texas Brownsville, 1 West University Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
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Published Online: 2015-04-24 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/mlt-2015-0005

Abstract

Coming to understand how cultural differences influence interactions between educators and students and their parents is a complex and perhaps life-long discovery. Culture helps to define groups’ belief systems and expectations for appropriate behavior, often at a hidden level. Pre-service teachers need multiple opportunities to interact with diverse populations in supervised and reflective environments. This article recounts key experiences in one White American’s life that have led to his current understanding of diversity and the role of diversity in education. These experiences occurred throughout my life; some were by chance and others were more prescribed. The article concludes with reflections on lessons learned as they pertain to teacher preparation programs.

Keywords: multicultural education; special education; teacher education; cultural diversity

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About the article

Published Online: 2015-04-24

Published in Print: 2015-09-01


Citation Information: Multicultural Learning and Teaching, Volume 10, Issue 2, Pages 163–182, ISSN (Online) 2161-2412, ISSN (Print) 2194-654X, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/mlt-2015-0005.

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