Managing Bias in Teacher Preparation in Higher Education

Learning Outcomes

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  Define the general term bias

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  Discuss anti-bias teacher preparation

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  Examine creation of anti-bias learning environment

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  Analyse issues of teacher preparation for multicultural classes

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  Analyse citizen education and anti-bias in teacher preparation

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  Teaching for social justice

Figure 1.

Case study

The Concept Bias in Teacher Preparation

In layman’s language ‘bias' refers to logical error: deviation from a true score, the latter referring to the valid measurement of some phenomenon or to accurate estimation of a population parameter (Levinson, 2009). In this chapter, which deals with teacher preparation, bias means perpetrating oppression cycles and marginalization which may be based on race, gender, culture or ethnicity (see figure 1) (Derman-Sparks, 2009). It depends on other concepts, such as 'truth' and 'objectivity', whose justification and role have been questioned. The aim of teacher education is to capacitate student teachers at all stages in this 21^st century to be effective in the global village. Anti-bias in teacher development or preparation involves setting forth values-based principles and methodology which respect and embrace differences as well as act against unfairness (Derman-Sparks, 2009). It is important that anti-bias teacher preparation should be undertaken for teachers to operate efficiently in classrooms where there is increased diversity in race, culture, ethnicity and special needs among learners (Lin, lake and Rice, 2008). The diverse needs in contemporary classrooms require teachers who are responsive to the different needs of all learners. Teacher development should equip a student teacher with skills that enable one to implement curriculum at any level that is culturally responsive and inclusive to assist all learners meeting their needs (Lin et Al, 2008).