Abstract

In pre-democratic South Africa, people never learned to listen to the stories of their fellow human beings because that was seen as a threat rather than a challenge. With the long-awaited political and constitutional changes taking place, a different societal structure is being established and a new democratic value system formally and officially being embraced. It would, however, be naive to imagine that policy changes would transform deeply-rooted attitudes, practices and existing structures overnight. The change into a democratic society does not mean, unfortunately, that a political, social and educational utopia is being created instantly. All learners will have to develop the skills, knowledge competence and attitudes to function effectively in a culturally diverse society. It will require a major paradigm shift from most educators, philosophers of education, and teacher trainers, as well as parents. I will argue for a pluralistic, problem-centered approach to teacher education and training that would be helpful in educating students to respect others and diversity.