An examination of educator multicultural attitudes before and after a diversity dinner dialogue

Abstract

Purpose The demographic make-up of students in US public schools is becoming increasingly diverse, and a need exists to train teachers in multicultural competence. Despite this need, little research addresses multicultural competence training for in-service teachers. In this pilot study, we aimed to implement an intervention, known as a diversity dinner dialogue (DDD), in which elementary and university educators read the same diversity-related book, then gathered over dinner to discuss the book and its implications in their work. Design/methodology/approach This study used a pre-experimental study and measured participants’ reactions to the intervention, as well as changes in multicultural attitudes immediately and six months after the training. Findings Findings indicated that participants had positive reactions to the DDD, yet multicultural attitudes decreased after the training, a potential indication that participants encountered racial identity development processes during the intervention. Research limitations/implications Further research is needed on DDDs and interventions affecting educator multicultural attitudes in K-12 schools and higher education. Originality/value This study contributes a new potential intervention for use in K-12 school and university partnerships that may support the development of culturally responsive teaching practices and catalyze participant experiences in racial identity development processes.

Strategies for resolving conflicts in the multicultural educational environment (Estrategias de resolución de conflictos en entornos educativos multiculturales)

“…En un estudio realizado en los EUA se comprobó que los participantes respondían positivamente a las denominadas DDD ( diversity, dinner, dialogue ), es decir, diversidad, diálogo y comidas; sin embargo, las relaciones multiculturales decaían después de la formación, lo que podría ser un signo de que los participantes afrontaban procesos de desarrollo de su identidad racial durante la intervención (tras leer el libro señalado; Merlin-Knoblich & Dameron, 2020).…”

“…A study conducted in the USA found that participants positively responded to DDD (diversity dinner dialogue); however, multicultural relations declined after training, which is a potential sign that participants faced racial identity development processes during the intervention (after reading the book; Merlin-Knoblich & Dameron, 2020).…”

Examining the impact of a Diversity Dinner Dialogue led by school counselors on student and faculty multicultural attitudes

“…A Diversity Dinner Dialogue (DDD) is a school‐wide prejudice reduction intervention that school counselors can implement to promote positive MC attitudes (Merlin‐Knoblich et al., 2021; Merlin‐Knoblich & Dameron, 2021). In a DDD, participants read the same diversity‐related book and then gather together over dinner to discuss their reactions to the book and its implications for their community (Merlin‐Knoblich et al., 2021; Merlin‐Knoblich & Dameron, 2021). In this case study, we researched participants in a DDD led by professional school counselors and held with students and faculty at a suburban high school.…”

“…A Diversity Dinner Dialogue (DDD) is a school-wide prejudice reduction intervention that school counselors can implement to promote positive MC attitudes Merlin-Knoblich & Dameron, 2021). In a DDD, participants read the same diversity-related book and then gather together over dinner to discuss their reactions to the book and its implications for their community Merlin-Knoblich & Dameron, 2021). In this case study, we researched participants in a DDD led by professional school counselors and held with students and faculty at a suburban high school.…”