Between self and state: Singapore teachers' perspectives of diversity

Authors

  • Li-Ching Ho National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Theresa Alviar-Martin National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University

Keywords:

social studies, multicultural education, teacher education

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates three Singapore teachers’ conceptions of diversity and discrimination, as well as their perceptions of inequality and social structures. The results suggest that Singaporean teachers’ perceptions are not only reflective of multicultural principles culled from personal dispositions or experiences, but are also mediated by state policies and societal narratives. This finding indicates that for multicultural teacher education to be more effective, it is important for teacher educators to take into account systemic and policy issues, in addition to other dispositional and experiential factors that influence teacher beliefs.

Author Biographies

Li-Ching Ho, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Li-Ching Ho is an assistant professor in the Humanities and Social Studies Education department at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Theresa Alviar-Martin, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University

Theresa Alviar-Martin is an assistant professor in the Curriculum Teaching and Learning deparment at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

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Published

2010-09-29

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Articles

License

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