‘The Gaps I Mean’ — Subject Knowledge and the Training of English Teachers

Abstract

The way subject knowledge is characterised in recent legislation covering initial teacher training is scrutinised, and a different model for describing the way such knowledge interacts with other aspects of teaching is offered. Recent findings by OFSTED in the inspection of secondary teacher training courses in English are discussed, to suggest that the current use of a discrete standard for subject knowledge may mask actual deficiencies in this area. In contrast, school inspection reports seldom isolate teachers’ subject knowledge, even when strengths or weaknesses may be best identified in this way. The model offered attempts to stress the importance of subject knowledge for effective English teaching, but suggests a broader definition of the concept than that used in current circulars governing initial teacher training. Finally, the implications of the model for both the auditing of subject knowledge and the assessment of trainee teachers are explored.