Teacher education and the university: The global reform imperative

Abstract

This chapter looks globally at the role of the university in teacher education. Over the last hundred years, it is suggested, universities have become the main provider and accreditor of teacher education programmes. This has significantly improved the professional standing of teachers. Yet, paradoxically, the analysis suggests, in many countries, public and political opinion has become highly critical of the quality of the education and training provided. The reasons for this are discussed, and it is suggested that this is a consequence of underlying social pressures that need to be understood if confidence in teacher education is to be regained. Five directions for change are proposed: making the research role of the university stronger and more explicit in teacher education, giving increased emphasis to the social mission of teaching, ensuring that the teacher educator is to the fore in monitoring the impact of social and economic change, radically reforming the content of teacher education and positioning the university to act as a hub around which a regenerated network model of teacher development can prosper.