A Self-Study of Diversity: Preservice Teachers' Beliefs Revealed Through Classroom Practices

The authors present the results of a self-study by seven preservice teachers that reveals ways in which the teachers' beliefs regarding diversity issues were realized in their classroom interactions, practices, and observations. This investigation was set within the context of a cohort of postbaccalaureate preservice teachers in an initial teacher education program that is built around the goal of preparing reflective teachers. It provided the framework for preservice teachers to raise their level of awareness regarding issues of diversity. The identification of common themes in the participants' journals provided insights into how these beliefs may link to future classroom teaching practice and ways teacher educators can help preservice teachers to view their students' backgrounds and abilities as resources, not problems.