Reforming teacher education through a professionally applied study of teaching

Abstract

This paper presents a review of research of teacher education and the formulation of a model of teacher development that encompasses five domains of knowledge. The model provides a curriculum and pedagogical framework for initial teacher education that links together the theoretical, practical and professional elements of teaching and learning. Cohorts of approximately 25 teacher candidates are placed individually with supervisory classroom teachers. Teaching fellows and clinical specialists consult with teacher candidates and their supervisors and conduct seminars for their cohort in the neighbouring schools. This multidimensional curriculum model for teacher development and the supporting clinical pedagogy presents a new professional learning framework for initial teacher development.