Source: Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, Volume 38, Issue 1
(February 2010), p. 23 – 37.
Pre-service teachers move through multiple learning communities during teacher education programs, arguably emerging as authentic insiders in teaching culture.
This case study describes a critical perspective offered by Ann, a First Nations learner. Ann described her experience of teacher education, and how she came to question different aspects of her university program and practicum assignment which challenged her understandings of self. The experiences of pre-service teachers like Ann are often hidden from view, and what they perceive as shortcomings in programming are often unseen within institutional contexts. Ann articulated numerous gaps that still reside within teacher culture despite structures that are in place to address such gaps.
The situated knowledge of pre-service teachers can offer alternative perspectives to guide the future of teacher education by drawing attention to shifts underway among students that will change the nature of professional practice.