This article examines the school-based element of initial teacher education (ITE) and the ways in which it contributes to the professional learning of student teachers in university in Finland and university in Northern Ireland. In particular, the authors seek to assess the potential of Training Schools for Northern Ireland.
Teaching/training schools have featured prominently in recent reviews of teacher education in England and Scotland and, while not specifically mentioned in the Northern Ireland (NI) review document, the overall concept could enrich the school-based element of ITE in NI, using existing collaborative networks of schools.