Initial Teacher Education Providers Research Articles

Addressing the teacher shortage in Australia: what do the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) completion data tell us?

With projections from the Australian federal government indicating an impending exacerbation of the teacher shortage by 2025, it is timely to explore potential approaches that could help mitigate this imminent national crisis. In teaching, there is an historical tendency for the teaching profession to attract more women than men and this study therefore aims to analyse trends in female completion rates of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) degrees. The study objective was to identify the specific teaching degree levels (undergraduate and postgraduate) and modes of attendance that are most likely to continue attracting women to pursue careers in teaching. This research relies on non-identifiable open access data obtained from Australian ITE providers between 2001 and 2021, which have been collected by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The study findings reveal an upward trend in female completions of ITE programs offered through external and multimodal study modes, while the internal mode of attendance show a decline. These findings hold significant implications for policy and practice, suggesting the need to enhance the accessibility of external and multimodal ITE degrees for women.

Re-envisioning pre-service teachers’ beliefs and feelings about assessment: the important space of authentic assignments

ABSTRACT In early 2020, Initial Teacher Education providers were forced to reimagine many long-established practices due to pandemic restrictions. One post-primary concurrent Initial Teacher Education programme in the Republic of Ireland responded by conceptualising and developing an initiative to engage pre-service teachers in an authentic assessment task through the preparation of a classroom-based assessment from the perspective of the pupil. They then engaged in peer review and peer feedback on these classroom-based assessments and partook in a Subject Learning and Assessment Review meeting. This required the professional development of assessment literacies on the part of pre-service teachers, as well as disturbing their personal assessment beliefs at a cognitive and affective level. This paper finds that the collaborative assignment experience challenged pre-service teachers’ previous conceptions about the purposes of assessment while providing them with insight and preparation for formative assessment processes in use throughout Irish post-primary schools.

Examining assessment principles and practices within the online components of an initial teacher education programme in Aotearoa New Zealand

Learning and assessment that drives learner success should be a key tenet of all initial teacher education programmes. Initial teacher education providers in Aotearoa New Zealand must use an assessment framework to ensure that graduating teachers meet the Teaching Council standards. As a part of a review of their assessment practices, academic staff at an education institution conducted a survey to learn more about the practices and experiences of online assessment among their students and lecturers. It became apparent that, despite the large body of literature outlining the principles of good assessment, the range of assessment practices for online learning were not always being used or understood by students and lecturers. The findings highlighted that there is a wide variation in assessment practices between lecturers, and some students found tasks and feedback did not enhance their learning. From this we argue that closer attention be given to ensuring a wide range of assessment tasks are used, feedback practices are focused on improving student learning, and, most importantly, learner agency is upheld.

Bracing Ourselves: Embracing Policy Changes through a Long-Standing University–Schools Teacher Education Partnership in England

We articulate the principles behind our practices as teacher educators for an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provider in South-West England working in partnership with local schools. We position them as ‘braces’ that enable us not only to withstand but ‘embrace’ the challenges of the current policy environment, which imposes braces of its own. All ITE providers in England must present their curriculum and teaching plans for approval by the Department for Education, one of many significant changes to ITE required in England over the last decade. Furthermore, for such plans to be approved they must assume a model of schooling based on knowledge acquisition in tension with not only our own motivations but also a broader (global) conversation among teacher educators critical of policy priorities for schooling and professional teacher formation that prioritise success in high-stakes tests and international league tables. The braces/principles emerge through articulating our collective understandings of and concerns with the policy braces. Our principles connect to the processes we feel confident are necessary aspects of ‘becoming’ teachers and can hold our Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) together, going forwards. The braces—becoming an informed educator; becoming an ethical actor; becoming a reflective practitioner—have a distinctive form of reflexivity at their heart and should apply to everyone across our partnership: us, as university-based teacher educators; school-based colleagues; and pre-service teachers. We offer our approach and the braces/principles we have developed to others also struggling to reconcile their own notions of good teacher education with national policy imperatives.

Reflections on Distance in Remote Placement Supervision: Bodies, Power, and Negative Education

School placement plays a critical and complex role in the professional development of student teachers. When universities and schools shut their doors and moved all teaching activities online in March 2020, initial teacher education (ITE) providers across Ireland had to implement emergency alternative practicum supports in order to ensure that students could complete their ITE programmes. Many initial teacher education providers across Ireland introduced professional online conversations as an alternative approach to professional practice supervision. It is easy to view this response to the COVID-19 crisis in purely deficit terms. For obvious reasons, no sensible teacher educator would advocate for abandoning school visits and replacing them with online professional conversations. Nonetheless, emergency measures arguably brought about affordances to the delivery of teacher education, which are deserving of consideration and may help to inform future practice. In this paper, we draw on our recent experience of ITE emergency practicum supervision to explore assumptions and tensions inherent in traditional teacher education practices. We reflect on how we enacted and experienced professional student–tutor conversations without the normally preceding classroom observations and interrogate normalised assumptions about the value and purpose of classroom observation. Our reflections are infused with ideas gleaned from philosophy and sociological theory and are underpinned by a theoretical formulation which we call “negative education”. “Negative education” refers to the learning that takes place as a consequence of deprivation. In these terms, we come to examine the negotiation of power and relationships in different learning environments. We explore the benefits of “zooming out”, to disseminate power, and show how this helps to engage with the broader aspects of teaching which are so easily overlooked by both tutors and students during “normal” school visits.

Caveats for change: exploring pre-service teachers’ concerns regarding change

ABSTRACT Notable within the rhetoric of recent global reform trends is the (re)positioning of teachers from peripheral to critical stakeholders in educational change processes. Responding to this imperative, programmes of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) are now frequently tasked with promoting teacher agency as a core dimension of teaching. Yet, much evidence points to a persistent tension between renewed visions for teacher engagement and agency as part of global curriculum reform processes and the associated enactment of such visions. While teachers’ concerns related to individual reforms are increasingly detailed, less attention is paid to teachers’ views regarding change as a process. Premised on the conviction that better understanding and attention to teachers’ concerns related to change, holds the potential to support more authentic, impactful and sustainable reform developments, this paper explores the reflections of 53 Irish pre-service teachers on their openness to change and examines the caveats they attach to their engagement in and with change. Reflexive thematic analysis identified a range of caveats pre-service teachers attach to their engagement in and with change. Consideration of these caveats by policy makers and initial teacher education providers may support teachers to engage more deeply with change.

Virtual Reality as the Catalyst for a Novel Partnership Model in Initial Teacher Education: ITE Subject Methods Tutors’ Perspectives on the Island of Ireland

This small-scale study explores the attitudes of fifty initial teacher education (ITE) subject methods tutors towards the use of virtual reality (VR) in education and considers whether VR could be a catalyst for reviewing the partnership model within ITE programmes. In addition, this study offers a novel solution to ITE tutors’ challenges when managing their own technological and pedagogical development alongside preparing student teachers for technology-enhanced learning (TEL). Building on previous research on ITE tutors’ use of TEL across the island of Ireland, this paper discusses the synergy between the cognitive apprenticeship model and reverse mentoring that upends the classic co-operating teacher/student teacher hierarchy and positions all partners in ITE programmes as learning leaders at key points in the partnership process. An online survey comprising 51 items was administered to a purposive sample of 50 ITE tutors from four ITE providers, two in Ireland and two in Northern Ireland (NI), who were selected due to their developing interest in the use of virtual reality in teacher education. Data analysis using SPSS combined with thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed that although the majority of ITE subject methods tutors conveyed open-minded and willing attitudes to embrace VR in the future, they identified a number of systemic issues that need to be addressed first. These include the disconnect between innovative pedagogical practices presented in university-based modules and the stark reality of technological deficits in some classrooms; the pedagogical and resource-based ‘readiness’ of ITE tutors to embed VR in their subject-specific teaching; and the need for curriculum-focused, VR resources for school-based use. As a result of this study, an incremental, cyclical approach to growing the body of knowledge around VR pedagogy is proposed in conjunction with new forms of collaboration between the partners in ITE.

Levelling the playing field: A Review of Mentoring in the CaBan Initial Teacher Education programme

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of the new CaBan Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme that has emerged in response to broader educational reform in Wales. More specifically, it aims to analyse the perceptions of mentors and Associate Teachers (ATs) to develop a more adequate understanding of the mentoring approach that has been adopted by CaBan. Questionnaires and group interviews were used to generate data from 15 mentors and 48 ATs – who took part in the study during the final phase of their one-year postgraduate programme. A process of thematic analysis was used to identify and analyse patterns in the data. The dialogic mentoring approach adopted by CaBan reframed the relationship between the mentor and AT. It encouraged a more democratic partnership that empowered the ATs to challenge some aspects of practice and engage in more creative acts. Regular feedback and discussions that were focused on shared learning helped reduce ATs’ evaluation apprehension, but also created some tension as mentors’ pedagogical beliefs were more likely to be challenged. These findings have implications for the CaBan programme and other providers of ITE, as adopting a dialogic approach led to desirable changes in mentoring strategies. These changes were perceived to be valuable, but they relied on the mentors devoting more time to the dialogic process and being fully invested in open conversations about learning.

Defining Parental Engagement in ITE: from relationships to partnerships

This paper presents a unique view of the perceived value of parental engagement with children’s learning within Initial Teacher Education (ITE) in Wales, the first such investigation of its kind. This paper arises from a research project sponsored by Welsh Government and undertaken by teams from Swansea and Bangor Universities. The paper reports the views of ITE providers, student teachers, mentors, parents and external stakeholders, regarding their experiences during the pandemic lockdown. The research found that while parental engagement was valued by all stakeholders, there was a lack of consistency about how this was defined and enacted. The paper proposes a disjuncture between espoused theory and theory in action, in relation to parental engagement in children’s learning, and ends with recommendations for policy, practice and further research.

An analysis of education academics' attitudes and preconceptions about Indigenous Knowledges in initial teacher education

For more than 20 years, there has been effort made within primary and secondary classrooms and curricula to include Indigenous peoples’ perspectives. This has been met with mixed reactions from classroom teachers. Initial teacher education academics and providers have also been slow to implement and transform their teaching and learning despite the shift in policy rhetoric. This paper reports on a small pilot study conducted at a Queensland university exploring how academics perceive the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledges within both institutional and professional contexts and initial teacher education programs. Findings varied, however, they generally indicate a lack of institutional and individual responsibility to embed Indigenous Knowledges in initial teacher education. The paper argues for the urgency for change and the need for non-Indigenous academics and initial teacher education providers to begin critical conversations about how Indigenous Knowledges are being silenced within their current practices, and ways in which they can do better.

Bernstein’s theoretical – empirical dialectic as a methodological basis for uncovering the social relations of pedagogic communication about family–school partnerships in the initial teacher education curriculum

ABSTRACT This paper demonstrates how the orientation of trainee teachers to messages relayed about an aspect of practice can be specified if a dialectic is kept between the theoretical and the empirical, in accordance with principles developed by Basil Bernstein. Bernstein’s methodology has the capacity to establish subtle understandings of how practices are recognized by exposing the different constellations of social relations structuring modalities of pedagogic communication. Practices designed for use during initial teacher education (ITE) to encourage trainees to commit to development of family–school partnerships (FSP) are used to illustrate the utility of Bernstein’s approach. The message ITE providers relay about FSPs has a direct bearing on trainees’ knowledge, competences, values, and attitudes. How they recognize the legitimate message relayed has implications for their future practice. ITE providers should be concerned with identifying the social relations of pedagogic communication to determine whether a mode exists that will increase the likelihood of trainees adopting practices that make the establishment of FSPs more likely. The origins and originality of Bernstein’s work is discussed and examples from research on FSPs are embedded into his methodology to illustrate how it serves as a framework with which to inform the design of ITE curricula.

Comparative music education in partnership: examining policy and provision of music in initial teacher education in Ireland and Northern Ireland

ABSTRACT This article investigates policy and provision of music in initial teacher education (ITE) in Ireland and Northern Ireland through a novel approach to comparative music education in ITE. Employing literature reviews and a survey of music ITE policy and provision in the two jurisdictions, it draws on a range of primary and secondary sources and presents a summary of comparative findings from the MITE project, carried out between 2017-2018. Key similarities include corresponding provision for music in B.Ed. (primary) programmes; the residual influence of denominational institutions; and the dominance of consecutive over concurrent models of secondary music ITE. Among major differences charted are distinct models of provision for music instruction outside of schools, participation rates in secondary courses, and varying approaches to cultural diversity in statutory music curricula. The article advances an original framework for comparative research in music education which may provide a conduit and stimulus for future comparative studies in music teacher education. It proposes to enable networking opportunities across primary and secondary music ITE providers, within and beyond borders, and inform strategies for meeting common challenges for music ITE in prevailing policy contexts.

Initial teacher education students' perceptions during a practicum in primary schools: a New Zealand experience

PurposeThis paper is about mentoring of initial teacher education (ITE) students whilst on their practicum.Design/methodology/approachInformed by a social constructivist theoretical framework, an online survey was used to capture the breadth of quantitative data and the richness of qualitative responses relating to factors that impact student teachers' experiences during practicum.FindingsQuantitative data indicate that many student teachers were positive about the practicum, but this varied across the type of school in which they were placed. The qualitative data analyses showed a greater in-depth understanding of the range of issues that impacted how student teachers are treated in their role as a mentee by the mentor and the wider school community.Practical implicationsBetter understanding the experiences of student teachers helps to inform ITE providers of the critical role that mentor teachers play in preparing student teachers. The practical implications are that strategies to develop deep and collaborative partnerships amongst ITE providers, mentor teachers and school leaders, which build stronger understandings of a mentor teacher's role, are critical in order to support student teachers.Originality/valueThis research study repositions the critical nature of effective mentoring of student teachers so that mentor teachers and ITE providers can be informed by the voices and lived realities of these student teachers. The mentoring relationship needs to be critically interrogated to provide a more even and supportive “playing field” for all student teachers.

“I've got something to tell you. I'm dyslexic”: The lived experiences of trainee teachers with dyslexia

Literature has explored the placement experiences of primary school trainee teachers with dyslexia but there is a scarcity of research on secondary school trainees or university-based experiences. This study examined the experiences of three primary and four secondary school trainees with dyslexia, encompassing both their university and placement-based experiences in England. This research highlighted the similarities in experience across training in a primary and a secondary school but found there are specific challenges associated with training to teach at secondary school level. We also captured the strengths trainees brought to the profession. Implications for initial teacher education providers are discussed.

Exploring ‘Next Practice’: Principals’ Perceptions of Graduate Skills and Attributes for Future Classrooms

The phrase ‘next practice’ was coined to indicate a shift from the notion of best practice to thinking more broadly about the needs of future learners and the ways in which teaching practice might align to support these needs. In understanding what next practice means for the classroom, this study was particularly interested in examining how initial teacher education (ITE) could respond through their graduate preparation. The presented data presented is derived from an Australian small-scale qualitative study that sought to explore principals’ perceptions of graduate skills and attributes for future classrooms which captured the perspectives of six primary and secondary school principals using in-depth interviews. Emerging from these subsequent narratives were seven themes that could be clustered around areas such as affective attributes, pedagogical considerations and personal wellbeing. In providing insights into the skills and attributes required by future teachers, this work raises questions how ITE providers might respond.

Challenges for Mentors in Working with Secondary School Pre-service Teachers

A key global trend in initial teacher education is the ‘practice turn’ where jurisdictions are increasingly mandating that teacher education providers include more ‘practicum’ time in teacher education programmes. In New Zealand, the Teaching Council’s recent revision of accreditation requirements has extended the minimum number of days that pre-service teachers (PSTs) must spend in practice settings (in: Teaching Council, ITE programmeme approval, monitoring and review requirements, TCANZ, Wellington, 2019). The more time spent on practicum, the more important mentors in schools become. This study reports on the challenges mentors faced in working with PSTs in secondary school where less is known about mentor practice than is known about how primary school mentors work with their PSTs. Unless addressed, these challenges may prove impediments to meeting two of the new Requirements for providers of initial teacher education, that PSTs spend more time in schools on practicum, and that all mentors of PSTs be formally trained for their role.

Developing a context-appropriate framework for measuring quality in initial teacher education

Against a backdrop of increasing pressure globally to enhance the quality of teacher preparation, and a corresponding push to ‘measure’ this performatively, we present a context-specific framework for identifying the quality of initial teacher education (ITE). The framework derives from a project involving all Scottish ITE providers. It adopts a vernacular globalisation perspective, drawing on international literature and local knowledge to create a mutually agreeable framework. In sharing the process, as well as the product, we offer a unique perspective on how one jurisdiction has reconciled global neoliberal pressures with a national educational ideology which values democratic approaches to schooling.

Professional Experience in Australian Initial Teacher Education: An Appraisal of Policy and Practice

Legislative guidelines regulate professional experience within initial teacher education (ITE) but little is known about teacher educators’ perspectives on how these guidelines are operationalised. ITE providers, in collaboration with school partners, implement a range of programs designed to develop pre-service teachers’ ‘classroom readiness’. We examine how current legislation influences the delivery of professional experience, the provision of funding, and support for university-school partnerships and in-school supervision. This analysis highlights ambiguities in the interpretation of the legislative guidelines, creating a disconnection between policy and practice, an over-reliance on the ‘good will’ of key stakeholders, and competing demands between the ‘actual’ and ‘hidden’ costs of professional experience. Without reform of both policy and practice ITE providers will continue to be constrained when attempting to meet regulatory expectations. These findings demonstrate a need for government departments and ITE regulators to work more closely to improve integration of policy and practice for professional experience.

Do I know enough to teach RE? Responding to the commission on religious education’s recommendation for primary initial teacher education

Recommendation 6 of the Commission on Religious Education’s Final Report has focused attention on teacher preparation in England for Religious Education (RE) during primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE). It recommends at least twelve hours for ‘all forms of primary ITE’, challenging the current provision of many primary ITE providers. Information gathered by the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) and others demonstrates the need to improve not only the hours taught, but also the quality of provision across all training routes. Many beginner teachers lack confidence in their RE subject knowledge and fear causing offence. If RE is to play a valid part in a twenty-first century primary curriculum, training needs to address these concerns and develop understanding of the complex knowledge the subject requires. This paper explores aspects of knowledge in RE, the importance of relating developing practical wisdom to subject knowledge and considers a project which responds directly to the Commission’s report.

Educate – mentor – nurture: improving the transition from initial teacher education to qualified teacher status and beyond

ABSTRACT Teacher recruitment and retention concerns across the world remain a high priority to ensure the best possible education opportunities for children and young people. Related to recruitment and retention, but also important in its own right, is the wellbeing of early career teachers. This study investigated the wellbeing of early career teachers in England and Australia to examine how best to provide early career support as a foundation for professional growth and longer-term retention. Survey responses from 67 newly qualified teachers in England and Australia, and five semi-structured interviews, provided rich insights into new teachers’ experiences, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the transition experience as new teachers struggled to adjust as they moved from the relative safety of the initial teacher education context to the reality of work in schools, in particular managing considerable workload which continued beyond the initial transition phase. Vital to successful transition were ongoing linkages between initial teacher education providers and employing schools, a supportive community of practice and bespoke mentoring. This has important policy implications, emphasising the need for personalised approaches to transition with high-quality mentoring during the first few years in the profession. An ‘educate – mentor – nurture’ model is proposed, to enable smoother and more supportive transitions, leading to professional growth and wellbeing.