Preparing newly qualified teachers in England to teach pupils who have English as an additional language

Abstract

The present study explores the perspectives of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) in England entering the profession in 2005 and 2006 about their training and induction to meet the needs of pupils with English as an additional language (EAL). Findings from a survey and from interviews revealed that the greatest concerns of NQTs related to the teaching of literacy and the assessment of EAL pupils' language skills. Perspectives on initial teacher training offered by English higher education institutions were mixed, with greatest importance given to the quality of school placements offered by training providers. Collaborative support was reported to be available in the induction year, by the third term of which confidence levels had risen. NQTs had found ways to develop their skills in teaching and assessing pupils with EAL. Nevertheless, while encouraging, the reported levels were not yet such that either teachers or the Training and Development Agency for Schools, the body responsible for teacher training in England, could feel satisfied with this aspect of teacher development.