Two of the three girls had not taken any previous coursework on ethnic diversity.  However, all three of the girls chose a predominantly all White school to do their student teaching.  Two of the three girls schools reported negative comments being made to children of color, yet one of the schools was actively trying to promote diversity in their school.  Likewise, the two schools that did not support ethnic diversity were not open to addressing such issues in their classroom.  However, in some way or another, all three girls did display an effort to address multiculturalism during their practicum.  In all, the study found that the development of racial identity can occur during a semester and relay attempts during student teaching. 
 

I decided to choose this topic because I feel it is important to incorporate issues of multiculturalism in our classrooms.  Personally, I think that there is far too much racism and stereotyping in our society that is unrecognized and denied by our citizens.  As a future educator, I ask if teachers are prepared to enter a profession that strongly impacts our coming of the next generation? 
 
Questions:
 
1) In essence, if more coursework in multicultural education was required (more than a semester), it would further encourage teachers’ efforts and awareness in ethnic issues? 
2) Wouldn't a persons upbringings and/or past experiences (other than coursework) have a more impact on a person’s view of multiculturalism? 
3) If the teachers from the two schools that were not supportive of multiculturalism more open to the issue, would it had significantly made a difference on the students doing their student teaching?
4) What part of the country was this study conducted?
5) Wouldn’t the study be more accurate if there was a larger sample?  I don’t think that three girls can accurately determine this correlation.

By Sharla Suzuki