Development and validation of the multicultural sensitivity scale for pre-service teachers

This study developed and validated an instrument to measure the multicultural sensitivity among pre-service teachers. Items capturing the concept of multicultural sensitivity were developed through literature review, open-ended questionnaires, interviews, and focus-group discussions. The items were checked for content validity and then tested in different teacher education institutions in Mindanao, Philippines. The 45-item 7-point Likert scale was tested by 573 pre-service teachers and Exploratory Factor Analysis suggested a 28-item scale. The shortened version was tested by 461 pre-service teachers. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to verify the factor structure and results confirmed the 28-item scale composed of three factors for the personal dimension – ethnocentrism, intercultural effort, and intercultural stress – and two factors for the professional dimension – exhibiting multiculturalism and monocultural orientation. The scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency and the measurement of the construct was found to be invariant for both ethnic majority and minority.