Section archive - Programs & Practicum

Literacy today relies on a readers’ ability to analyse text critically. This case study investigated preservice teachers’ critical analysis of media text containing visuals and representations. In particular, the analysis focused on mathematical factors that impact on readers’ interpretation of diverse visuals. Data was gathered from the 23 preservice teachers, enrolled in the Graduate Diploma program at one Australian university. They participated in a series of mathematics learning sessions focused on the critical analysis of a selection of media items. The paper argues that the ability to critically analyse graphs and visuals relies on mathematical knowledge and that the ability to critically analyse such representations is a necessary component of mathematical literacy and everyday literacy. Mathematics teachers require well-developed critical analysis competencies to enable them, and ultimately their students, to critically analyse representations in everyday text. The paper illustrates that drawing on diverse visuals from the media can be productively used to develop critical analysis competencies.

This work explores mentoring triad relationships between pre-service teachers, school-based cooperating teachers, and professors at a community college. Using cultural historical activity theory, the authors provide a retrospective analysis of the factors influencing the success of the mentoring relationships. They assessed 60 mentoring triads with a rubric focused on how triads established intersubjectivity and the activity systems of practicum and college course were able to intersect and establish common goals. Results showed that highly successful triads were most likely to have culturally matched student/cooperating teacher pairs and culturally diverse practicum placements. Qualitative analysis showed that an equal exchange of power among the triad was foundational for enabling intersubjectivity. Therefore, equal power exchange between the triad during early practicum experiences are supported by and support cultural responsiveness. They argue for further research on this population of pre-service teachers as well as greater attention to issues of power and cultural responsivity during mentorship.

This paper undertakes a critical review and analysis of the recent developments in teacher education in Pakistan to situate different models of teacher education funded by donor agencies against international development in teacher education and the political economy dynamics of teacher education in Pakistan. The paper’s central thesis is that despite the prevalent and overwhelming trends, of which Pakistan is possibly a willing or unwitting recipient, there are clear indications that the so-called international standardisation of teacher education models and practices are being critically considered and that more contextualisation is required. This paper recommends areas of research to support iterative development of contextual models of teacher education through an evidence-based approach. This can then better inform teacher education policies and practices. Also, it can focus on the desired teacher development outcomes within the context of a developing country and the educational milieu that is particular to Pakistan.

Many teacher preparation programs offering dual certification have engaged in program redesign to establish greater integration between general education and special education. This article presents findings from an exploratory case study that examined the perspectives of former preservice teacher candidates and school personnel regarding an integrated yearlong dual certification internship. Findings indicated research participants (a) placed value on the breadth and authenticity of the experience; (b) built deep relationships with students and staff that contributed to building confidence; and (c) felt the structure and impact of the model yielded positive outcomes for both the school and for preservice teacher candidates. Implications for practice include suggestions for how teacher preparation programs might move toward integrated models of dual certification teacher preparation and explore the importance of clinically rich partnerships that benefit both preservice teacher candidates and field sites.