Beliefs about teaching held by student teachers and school-based teacher educators

Abstract

Teachers' beliefs about teaching goals and practices are influenced by several factors, including teaching and mentoring experiences. To identify which teaching goals and practices are preferred for the social and cognitive development of pupils, 112 student teachers and 73 school-based teacher educators were questioned. In contrast to teacher educators, student teachers consider the mechanical acquisition of knowledge and practices that support intrapersonal processes directed toward cognitive development to be a more effective goal, while teachers with mentoring experience prefer teaching practices that support pupils' social development. Knowledge about teaching-related beliefs is essential for promoting effective teacher training.