As a practitioner or learner, the reason for reading this book might be to enhance understanding of learning and teaching. As a parent or guardian, it might be to develop understanding of schools and colleges. Whatever motivation, all stakeholders will recognise that education plays a powerful part in developing society. Schools and colleges are…

This paper evaluates the use of subject-based collegial mentors in an initial teacher development programme for new lecturers in a research-intensive UK university. The use of mentors is common in such programmes but their status tends to be that of critical friend and they have little formal influence in the programme. In the programme reported,…

Compares responses of newly qualified primary teachers to a questionnaire designed to elicit their perceptions regarding the degree and frequency of stress they experienced during the first year. Finds differences in stress levels based on the type of training teachers receive, and identifies job aspects that are particularly stressful. (DSK)

Background/context: Professional development is an important element of professional practice and teachers are expected to engage in activities that not only improve practice but also have a positive impact on pupil learning. Physical educators worldwide have acknowledged the need to improve the continuing education of teachers and have called…

Discusses the school-based mentoring process supporting teachers' initial training, drawing from practical applications and theoretical frameworks. Mentoring development in any school is affected by several factors, including whole-school and communication issues, challenges and conflicts, available resources, management of the learning…

This paper draws upon research undertaken in nine higher education institutions for a doctoral thesis. The qualitative study used repertory grids and semi-structured interviews with nine course leaders to investigate models of professional development that underpin courses for new teachers in higher education. While evidence of good levels of…

Explores gender questions about males teaching elementary school, by talking with male student-teachers. Finds that the current public discourse "masculinizes" elementary education. (PA)

Reports responses by new primary and secondary teachers to two questionnaires designed to elicit their views about the extent they felt their training had prepared them for their first post. Reveals a wide range of differences between the two groups, and discusses them in light of training patterns. (DSK)

This paper discusses some findings from a small-scale qualitative study involving "new" teachers in a medium sized, regional English university. Using Grounded Theory methods to inform and guide the research, the study explores participants' views on working as both teachers and researchers whilst also managing considerable amounts of…

This article discusses inductee music service teachers (to 25 years of age). It explores how their lives, as perceived, shape current identities in teaching and result in several career problems. Respondents were drawn from a comprehensive life history study of 28 Local Education Authority employees. Of this larger cohort, four were age 25 years…

Describes a year in which new teachers reflected upon their own formation as learners and teachers. Portrays the transformation and social change that characterize the year in relation to their ideas about English as a school subject and about what constitutes the knowledge they want their pupils to acquire. (PA)

A common theme of the papers presented in this forum is that of the importance of listening to children's voices. They key messages conveyed by the authors are synthesised in this paper and the implications for the development of the subject and research within it are considered. This is then placed in the context of some recent doctoral research…

Reports an exploratory investigation which examined how advice and support from teacher training tutors and school teacher mentors influenced elementary student teachers' classroom practice. Mentors significantly influenced the content of curriculum students taught. Tutors were more influential on deciding how to teach. Friends and relatives were…

Describes an interactive summer school teaching initiative in the United Kingdom that engages newly qualified secondary science teachers as mentors in the teaching of biotechnology. Highlights include course structure and format; opportunities for practical work; group work; peer assessment; course evaluation; and student attitudes. (Contains 52…

This article reports on the evaluation of an accredited programme to enhance the early professional development of newly qualified teachers within the Black Country region of the English West Midlands. Newly qualified teachers participating in the accredited programme, their induction tutors, newly qualified teachers not participating in the…