Preservice Teacher as Researcher: A Research Context for Change in the Heterogeneous Classroom

More than ever before, those entering the teaching profession must be prepared to teach children culturally different from themselves. To accomplish this within the cultural contexts of teaching and learning, the authors propose restructuring preservice teacher education programs to include as a major goal the preparation of teachers who function as researchers. The authors redesigned two existing programs to include the teaching of research methodologies. The authors present the methods of inquiry and strategies used in teaching about research. Examples of student work are included, along with evidence to support this approach to teacher preparation. Implications for university teaching are also discussed.