Pre-service Teacher Education

English language learners (ELLs) in mainstream classrooms are becoming a common occurrence with escalating immigration and globalization. This influx pressures teachers who encounter barriers and inadequate training for linguistically diverse needs. Teacher education has the potential to reduce barriers through effective training. This study explores teacher preparation practices through pre- service teachers' perspectives. It aims to explore how prepared primary-junior pre-service teachers are to teach ELLs in Southwestern Ontario. Using a structured interview, 6 certified graduates shared descriptive experiences, knowledge and beliefs. The findings are organized as; 1) Faculties of Education, 2) Pre-service Teacher's Beliefs, 3) In Future Classrooms and 4) Beyond the Classroom. Although moving towards greater ELL awareness and inclusive mindsets, there is a good indication that well-intentioned teachers lack the competence necessary for effective classroom practice. This exploration is an initial step towards a better understanding of teacher preparation and is crucial to the ongoing process of updating the teaching curriculum.

Autorentext

Nina Lee Webster is an instructor in the Department of Teacher Education and is pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies, specialization in Cognition and Learning, at Brock University (Ont., CAN). Her current research interests: critical issues in teacher education, teacher preparedness, inclusive education, and English language learners.