Modelling and validating the learning opportunities of preservice language teachers: on the key components of the curriculum for teacher education

Abstract

Opportunities to learn (OTL) is used as a research concept for describing and analysing the curriculum of a programme which frames the learning and development of preservice teachers. Typical elements of teacher education programmes are investigated: the representation of content in courses of the subject, subject-related pedagogy and general pedagogy, as well as facets of teaching practice. Two research questions are focused on, one related to the OTL structure, another one to validating the OTL. Data from 289 preservice language teachers from Germany is used. They just had graduated from university and were surveyed using a novel OTL measurement. Findings on the structure of OTL show the key components can be identified and empirically separated. Validation analysis shows that the more coherent the preservice teachers perceived their university–school relationship the better they were able to profit from their teaching practice. Teaching practice is the central component effecting preservice teachers’ self-reported planning competence.