Moving barriers: Promoting learning for diversity in initial teacher education

This study considers the effectiveness of initial teacher education in one university college in Northern Ireland in preparing students for teaching in an increasingly diverse society and promoting a culture of tolerance. A cohort of 168 students in their final year were surveyed and this was followed by three focus group interviews. The findings showed that the student population came from a largely similar sociocultural background, with little prior experience of diverse contexts. Although students viewed the accommodation of diversity as an important issue for teachers, a limited number felt comfortable with and prepared for dealing with diversity in the classroom. The paper proposes that alternative strategies need to be employed to ensure the more effective preparation of beginning teachers.