Intercultural sensitivity among teachers and prospective teachers: A review

The diversity of students in the classroom requires prospective teachers to have an appropriate sensitivity and competency as a preparation for teaching students from various ethnicities and cultures background. However, realizing this goal is not a simple task. Teaching culturally and ethnically diverse students is a huge challenge for teachers as well as prospective teachers. It is possible that teachers have an awareness of cultural differences but may not be sensitive enough to the cultural differences in the classroom. Therefore, there is a need for teachers to not just have an awareness of cultural differences but also be sensitive to teach a diverse student effectively. Teacher education programs is very important period in preparing prospective with all the competencies needed. Teachers as well as prospective teachers must have a high level of cultural sensitivity so they can respond effectively in terms of diversity in their classrooms and prepare their students to live and work in a global society. This paper discusses on intercultural sensitivity among teachers and prospective teacher and related theories regarding this issue.