EATE and the Education of Primary School Teachers: problems and solutions seen from the perspective of a centre for primary teacher education

Abstract

Abstract The need for enterprise awareness is acknowledged: however, analysis of ‘enterprise’ reveals an ambiguity between enterprise as a personal quality, and enterprise as the activity of the entrepreneur. This creates conflict for those engaged in the education of primary school teachers. It is argued that both concepts of enterprise have something of value to offer Primary Education, and that both are concerned with the practical achievements of the educator. A model for implementation of the EATE initiative is proposed which resolves a conflict between the ideal and the instrumental in Primary Education. This provides a synthesis which allows for a productive partnership between EATE and institutions concerned with the education of primary school teachers.