| The purpose of this study was to better understand how counselors in training develop multicultural competencies through coursework. This study evaluated one graduate level multicultural counseling course. Qualitative methods were employed to uncover students' developmental themes. The five themes that emerged centered on increased multicultural awareness and appreciation. A survey method was employed to determine what facilitated and impeded students' multicultural development. Students' personal traits such as openness, curiosity, and sense of identity facilitated development along with aspects of the classroom environment such as multiculturalism presented as lifelong learning, a feeling of safety and respect in the classroom, and the race of the instructor. Instructional strategies that facilitated multicultural development included writing a personal history paper, watching the Color of Fear, and immersion in diverse communities. Traits of the instructor that contributed to multicultural growth included her level of multicultural knowledge, encouragement of students' self-exploration and self-analysis, and her ability to give corrective and supportive feedback. Students' personal traits that impeded multicultural development were lack of prior exposure to different cultures, lack of prior interest in multiculturalism, lack of ego strength, lack of courage, and an inability to process feelings. Students also felt that the final exam was an impediment to multicultural competency development in this course. |
