Quality in Teaching and Teacher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this final chapter is twofold: (1) to provide a synthesis of learning on quality in teaching and teacher education based on the analyses and discussions of the fifteen chapters collected in this book, and (2) to discuss implications that have emerged for future research on quality in teaching and teacher education, policy and practice. In so doing, we ask: What do we know about quality in teaching and teacher education from the collected chapters, and how can these findings inform future research, policy and practice in these areas? In order to answer these questions, this closing chapter is divided into five main parts. In the first part, we identify and endorse a call that is present in all chapters to move beyond a reductionist notion of education. In the second part, we recognise the growing attention to teaching quality both as a blessing and a burden. In the third part, we identify seven key dilemmas that arise from the different chapters. Next we use these dilemmas to identify implications for teacher education practice, policy and research. We then conclude this chapter with some final reflections on what we have learnt in the collected chapters about reimagining and rethinking teacher education quality and the challenges ahead.