industry & reform
Teaching the teachers
Education minister Alan Tudge . Photo : NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray
Experts question minister ’ s call for a review into the quality of teacher education .
By Wade Zaglas
Three of Australia ’ s teacher education experts have questioned statements made by education minister Alan Tudge that a review is needed into initial teacher education ( ITE ) courses , and that some beginning teachers are not equipped for the classroom because they are taught too much theory in lieu of practice .
Tudge made the comments during a speech at the Menzies Research Centre , emphasising that improvements in quality teaching , curriculum and assessment are required for Australian schools to be among the world ’ s best .
“ Some teachers are still graduating from their courses insufficiently prepared to teach in a classroom either because there has been too much focus on theory at the expense of practice , or because evidencebased teaching methods are not taught ,” the education minister said in his speech . However , Professor Mary Ryan , Dean of Education at Macquarie University and President of the NSW Council of Deans of Education , said “ Initial Teacher Education should not be a political football ”.
“ All ITE programs go through rigorous accreditation processes assessed by panels of teachers , principals and academics . In addition , many practising teachers already contribute to ITE programs ,” she said .
“ New graduates have demonstrated through externally endorsed and moderated teaching performance assessments that they can use evidence to inform quality teaching that responds to students ’ needs .
“ Whilst major changes have occurred in ITE , changes in the structural inequities of our schooling system have not kept pace .
“ Another reform of initial teacher education cannot focus on the same issues as the 100 + reforms since the 1970s . A focus on how we ensure diversity in our profession and how we teach about , to and for diversity is paramount .”
Dean of Programs : Education Futures at the University of South Australia , Associate Professor Victoria Whitington , also came to the defence of pre-service teacher education in Australia .
“ Initial teacher education university providers are very observant of research findings with regard to how they prepare their pre-service teachers for their role as highly effective teachers in the field ,” Whitington said .
“ Providers are particularly interested in findings from research that employ accepted scientific methods and show clear learning outcomes for children .
Dr Katrina Zammit , Deputy Dean at the School of Education at Western Sydney University , joined the chorus of experts challenging the education minister ’ s statements . The experienced teacher educator of 25 years has been involved in the accreditation of ITE courses for many years .
“ The development and accreditation of initial teacher education programs are guided by Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and overseen by state / territory Teacher Regulation Authorities ,” Zammit said .
“ Programs are required to meet a set of standards which specify what a program must cover and the types of learning experiences ( including Professional Experience Placements in schools ) that must be provided . Within these
All ITE programs go through rigorous accreditation processes assessed by panels of teachers , principals and academics .
guidelines the university provider has to identify how they meet the six program standards .
“ During the development of a program we are required to consult with our professional colleagues in schools , leaders across school systems , and community members so they are able to have input into the design of a program and all of the units that will be studied by our Pre-service Teachers . The development of programs is also informed by the latest evidence-based research on teaching and learning .
“ The process of accreditation is undertaken by a panel of trained assessors within each jurisdiction , who are drawn from the education profession . It is an extremely rigorous process . As a panel chair I can vouch for the process . We have to provide evidence that the program covers all Graduate Teacher Standards . We also have to ensure that we are teaching the mandated curriculum areas , covering inclusive education , classroom management , differentiation of learning to meet students ’ needs , and many other areas .”
The education minister ’ s speech announced a 10-year plan to bring Australia ’ s educational results “ back amongst the world ’ s best ”. The speech also suggested that one-year graduate programs could be back on the table .
“ Twenty years ago , when our standards were higher , a person could be trained to become a teacher through a one-year Diploma . Now it takes a minimum of a two-year Masters . It would be a rare midcareer person who could afford to take two years off work . Shorter pathways are required ,” Tudge said .
“ We need a system that recognises that many professionals have deep expertise and relevant experience that would make them highly impactful teachers . I would love to see more engineers and accountants , for example , using their mathematical expertise to help us address our critical shortage of maths teachers .” ■
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