Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions and Their Professional Preparation Levels for Multicultural Education: Implications for Teacher Education Curricula

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines pre-service teachers’ perceptions and their professional preparation levels for multicultural education. Design/Methodology/Approach: In accordance with the research problems, this study was conducted using a mixed method research and a partial mixed sequential and equal status design. In the quantitative part, 381 pre-service teachers were surveyed using the Multicultural Perception Scale (MPC) to assess their perspectives on multicultural education. In the qualitative part, 20 pre-service teachers were interviewed individually to determine their levels of professional preparation for multicultural education. Findings: The quantitative findings of the study showed that pre-service teachers have a moderate level of perception their professional preparation levels for multicultural education. Pre-service teachers enrolled in the Primary Education program have a higher perception of multicultural education than pre-service teachers enrolled in other teacher education programs. Furthermore, there is no significant difference between grades. On the other hand, it appears that male pre-service teachers have significantly lower perceptions of multicultural education than female pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers are observed to emphasize the terms "diversity, interaction, and togetherness" when defining multicultural education, according to the qualitative findings of this study. In addition, they emphasized the interactions between pre-service teachers and international students, the program's course content, and extracurricular activities in light of the findings regarding the teacher education program's contribution to and opportunities for enhancing the levels of professional preparation for multicultural education. Examining the recommendations of pre-service teachers for teacher education, it is evident that more opportunities for extracurricular activities, school experience, and observation are recommended. Another recommendation highlighted is the addition of a multicultural education course to the teacher education program. Highlights: According to the findings, multicultural education must be more thoroughly integrated into teacher education programs. It is anticipated that the study's findings will contribute to future studies of curriculum development and research on multicultural education conducted by those involved in teacher education at the national and international levels.