Religious diversity and culturally responsive learning and teaching for teacher candidates

Abstract

Eleven teacher candidates who attended a Christian liberal arts college in the U.S. met a group of Turkish college students who were Muslim weekly via Zoom at least six times. These Turkish students were future English teachers, and the American students served as English conversation partners. The present study investigated the effectiveness of a program that could facilitate positive interactions between different religious groups and an in-depth understanding of culturally responsive teaching. Student reviews, two surveys before and after the program, and in-depth interviews revealed that the American students benefited from the experiences. They learned about distinct cultural traditions and the religion of Islam, discovered the similarities shared by the U.S, and Turkish cultures, appreciated both aspects, and became friends. In addition, they showed an authentic understanding of culturally responsive learning and teaching. The study suggests that the program enhanced cultural sensitivity, including to religious diversity, and the appreciation of culturally responsive learning and teaching among teacher candidates.