Paradigm Shift: Equipping Suburban Teacher Candidates for Urban Challenges-A Focus on the Issue of Diversity in the Classroom

Abstract

This article advocates a shift from the traditional pedagogy of a sometimes confused multicultural/diversity education to a more progressive one that gives due attention and credence to the subject of diversity in teacher training. It also locates its definition of diversity within a broad and progressive paradigm. Using their experiences in a teacher training program, the authors argue that a university that prepares teacher candidates for urban or suburban practices must equip them with adequate knowledge on issues relevant to diversity. The paper concludes with recommendations for the field.