Interculturality and teacher education. A study from pre-service teachers' perspective

Abstract

Due to the multicultural nature of society and the failure of some of the educational models adopted to respond to cultural diversity, there is a need to pay greater attention to teachers' training. This study examines Teacher Education students' beliefs about cultural diversity and their relationship with pre-service teacher training as key aspects in designing intercultural teacher training proposals and improving educational practice. This quantitative, descriptive study was carried out with 1464 participants enrolled in teacher training programs. The results show that future teachers have positive beliefs about cultural diversity in general terms, but their positions diverge when dealing with specific aspects and transferring them to professional practice. These beliefs vary depending on the year group, with students who are finishing their training process having more intercultural beliefs.