• Korean Journal of Childcare and Education
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.79-107
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• 2013

The purpose of this study purpose was to analyze the structural model of variables such as experiences and personal- and professional- beliefs of cultural diversity, and the culturally responsive teaching efficacy of early childhood preservice teachers including identifying the beliefs as mediating variables. Another purpose was finding the different structural relations among the research variables according to the stages of a teacher education program. The participants were 273 students who enrolled in K grade teacher education programs in the southwest areas of the U.S. The research variables were measured with the items used by Schroeder (2008), Pohan and Aguilar (2001), and Siwatu (2007). The structural equation model analysis showed that the direct effects were found between the paths from the cultural diversity experiences and personal beliefs to the culturally responsive teaching efficacy, from the experiences to personal beliefs, from the personal to professional beliefs. The personal beliefs were identified as a mediator of the path from the experiences to professional beliefs. By multi-group analysis, the path from professional beliefs to the culturally teaching efficacy showed a meaningful difference between the initial and final stage groups of a teacher education program. Suggestions for future research and early childhood teacher education programs were presented based on the results.

• Journal of vocational education research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.1-21
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• 2010

Preservice teachers should learn the knowledge and skill necessary to meet intellectual, social and personal needs of students with culturally diverse background. Thus this study was to examine preservice teachers' attitudes and perception about multicultural education. The participants of the study comprised of 297 preservice teachers who were in the teacher preparation course. The questionnaire items consisted of 36 statements. The data were analyzed by factor analysis, correlation and t, F test. The results are as follows. First, on the basis of above, with respect to the reliability data, it is apparent that preservice teacher survey is adequate1y reliable. Second, needs of multicultural education and attitudes about cultural diversity of preservice teachers showed the positive correlation. Third, personal attitudes of preservice teachers about multicultural diversity were generally positive. Fourth, preservice teachers' expectation about the adequacy of curriculum in teacher preparation was low in compared with other factors. Attitudes about cultural diversity and attitudes preventing multicultural education showed the negative correlation. Based on this results, multicultural education should be reflected in the curriculum to meet diverse needs of preservice teachers. And teachers' attitudes and beliefs have an impact on their behaviors in the classroom, teachers preparation program for changes of their attitudes and beliefs should be developed.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.65
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• pp.29-54
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• 2021

In Europe, the diversity in religions, cultures, languages and historical backgrounds is enormous. World War II and the Soviet Regime have played a large part in this and the flow of refugees from other continents increases the pluralism. How can religious education add to bridging between differences? The language across European countries is different, literally between countries, but also figuratively speaking and even inside individual countries. These differences occur in cultural sense and across age groups as well. Secondary education has the task to form young people to become firmly rooted people who can hold their own in society. It is essential that they learn to examine their own core values and their roots. Recognising their values should be a main focus of religious education. However, schools are currently accommodating increasing numbers of non-religious pupils. What role do religious values still play in this situation? How do pupils feel about active involvement in religious institutions, and about basing life choices on religious beliefs? Can other, non-religious values be detected which could form the basis for value-oriented personal formation? Research of these subjects has been ongoing in the Netherlands for more than twenty years and is currently being expanded to the Czech Republic and(former East) Germany. These are also secularized countries but have a very different history. Does the history and context of these countries play a role, and does this show in the values that are important to pupils? A comparative pilot study is being conducted as start of this broadening perspective geared towards greater insight into the values of pupils in these three European countries. This information helps to design appropriate new forms of religious value-oriented worldview education.