“Improving Teacher Quality: Trends in European Countries”

Recruitment / Selection Issues

• Image of Profession
• Quality Needed
• Varied Pattern
• Role Models
• Female/Male Imbalance
• “Mature” Students
• Provision for Career Transfers
• Mode of Selection

Changing Profile of Education Departments

• Synergies, Benign Cycle

• Professional
• Networks

• Policy /
• Consultancy

• International
• Contributions
• Linkages

• R & D Projects

• Research

• Postgrad.
• Studies
• H.Dips,
• Masters
• Doctorates

• School-based
• INSET (CPD)

• Induction

• Initial T.E.d.

Curriculum of I.T.E.

• Subject to On-going Reforms
• Components: Academic Subjects
• Educational Sciences
• Methodologies / Didactics
• Teaching Practice
• Rationale – “The Reflective Practitioner”
• Variety of Teaching – Learning Styles
• Small-group and Individual Attention
• Incorporation of ICT
• Research Emphasis

Variety of Methods

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Teaching-Learning Seminars on Subject Teaching
• Small Group Work in Teaching Labs
• Video Work
• Individual “Hands ON” Technology Sessions
• Workshops
• Teaching Practice
• Guidance and Feedback

School-Based Experience

• Increasing Importance
• Nature of the Experience
• Patterns of Placement
• Not Just T.P.
• College-School Partnerships
• Role of School Mentors – Training Rewards
• Evaluating T.P.
• Linking Theory and Practice
• Promotion of Action Research / Self Appraisal

Evaluation of T.Ed.

• Much Emphasis on Outputs, Competences – Varied Approaches to Competences
• Significance of Reflective Journals, Research Projects
• Quality Assurance Processes – Peer Evaluation
• Student Evaluations
• Views of Inspectorates / Stakeholders
• Professional Bodies / Teaching Councils
• Views of Teacher Unions.

Induction

• Idea Generally Accepted
• Variation of Policy Response
• Draw on Good Practice / Pilot Experiences
• Plan for Reduced Workloads
• Mentor Provision and Training / Role
• Partnership of Schools, Teaching Institutions Education Centres, Support Services
• School Leadership Role
• Problems of P.T. Beginning Teachers
• Induction Distinct from Probation

INSET__________C.P.D. (1)

• Integral to Career – Investment
• Broad Interpretation within Strategic Policy
• Compulsory – Voluntary – Rights
• Variety of: Types, Providers, Themes, Duration
• Time / Timing
• Linked to Career Stages
• Methodology – Interactive
• Involvement of the Profession

INSET ___________C..P.D. (2)

• Award-Bearing: College-Based, Distance Ed.
• School-Based Dimensions
• Sustained R. & D. Approach
• Clusters / Network Approach
• New Initiatives – Support Groups, Education Centres
• Research Aspects
• Evaluation / Feedback

Some Career Issues  Quality

• Policy on Probation
• Support for Teachers in Disadvantaged Contexts
• Career Mobility / Flexibility
• Diversification of Career Structure
• Policy on Chronically Incompetent Teachers
• Needs of Older Teachers