A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON PREPARING TEACHERS FOR DIVERSITY: NGO-TEI PARTNERSHIPS FOR MULTICULTURAL COMPETENCE

Abstract

The objective of this study is to systematically explore the partnership between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and teacher education institutions (TEIs) in preparing teachers with multicultural competence. Through a qualitative synthesis of 12 selected articles, the study identifies multiple forms of partnership, including pre-service teachers’ placements in NGOs, co-organized projects, co-planned curriculum, NGO mentorship programs, and policy advocacy collaborations. Key benefits inherent in these partnerships include enhanced knowledge and skill development, cultural relevance, professional support, and community engagement. However, significant challenges such as resistance from pre-service teachers, communication barriers, resource constraints, and socio-political factors persist. These findings underscore the importance of integrating NGO-TEI collaborations into teacher training programs to equip pre-service teachers with the necessary competencies to effectively navigate and respond to the complexities of diverse classrooms. Despite the challenges, NGO-TEI partnerships present a promising avenue for preparing pre-service teachers to effectively engage with the diverse classrooms of the 21st century.