This article addresses writing in higher education with the primary aim of conceptualizing writing as a mediational tool. The conceptual framework consists of three concepts: "learning trajectories," "mediation," and "recontextualization." The article describes how writing can work as a mediational tool and suggests…

What can be done to re-orient a field of education like music, when far too many teachers teach the way they were taught using traditional procedures that stupefy and deaden students to the subject matter, rather than working creatively to invigorate and empower them to become thoughtfully engaged, independent music makers? The essays in this…

Teaching in higher education encompasses more than merely helping students develop knowledge and skills. It entails engaging students in their own formation as persons, professionals and citizens. From this perspective, this article investigates how approaches to teaching academic writing contribute to formation. By analysing a case from initial…

Within the broad theme of this special issue, the current article describes a turbulent Norwegian teacher education context in which two new teacher educators start work in a university. Like other nations, Norway is affected by international educational trends, some of which have a reductive impact on the teaching profession and on teacher…

The immigration influx of the 60s and 70s presented a problem new to Norway--the need for education of a multicultural society. The Immigrant Project at Levanger College of Education and its methods and strategies are described. The achievements of the project are summarized. (Author/MT)

This study of student teacher socialization in Norwegian primary and preschool teacher education, which involved classroom observations and interviews, showed how a visible pedagogic practice was reproduced in school teacher education and an invisible pedagogic practice was reproduced in preschool teacher education. Preservice student teachers…

Presents comments about the international symposium presentations on thinking research reproduced in the present issue of Teaching and Teacher Education. Issues covered were preservice teacher education; beginning teacher supervision; the relationship between teacher and researcher; teacher guilt; and teacher thinking, knowledge, and action. (SM)

Presents an overview of educational research and preservice teacher training in Norway from a historical perspective, focusing on general background for Norwegian educational research, new trends in educational research and teacher training, educational research and the status of teachers and teacher educators, and research-based teaching in…

This article describes changes being introduced in Norwegian colleges of education regarding the training of English teachers. Traditional divisions (phonetics, language, culture, literature, etc.) are being replaced by a theme-based approach, in which students are obliged to use English and are more actively engaged in the learning process. (IAH)

This article, based on the guidance of 17 teacher education students during their final term, presents the theoretical framework, procedures and results of an extensive experiment with portfolio assessment combined with peer tutoring. A recent reform programme in higher education in Norway has as one of its aims to improve the quality of teaching…

This article outlines the place of vocational education within the upper-secondary structure in Norway and identifies general principles underpinning this structure. Recent changes in this structure which have implications for teacher education are described, and a number of strategies are proposed to upgrade the content and structure of teacher…

Examines efforts by one Norwegian university college to institutionalize research among the academic staff, describing different steps taken by the college's leadership and a group of teacher educators/researchers to establish a research environment at the institution and stimulate research among the staff. Hindrances to establishing a research…

Norwegian researchers examined the value of continuous self-assessment via diaries, looking at an effective approach to self-assessment for use in developing and evaluating language learning or teacher training programs. Students and teachers kept diaries and completed questionnaires. Results indicated diaries helped teachers develop insights into…

Reviews factors concerning fitness screening in teacher education programs and examines screening requirements in selected institutions in the United States, Canada, and in three Scandinavian countries--Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The purpose is to provide cross-cultural perspectives on the issue. (SM)

Examines recent organizational changes within Norway's teacher education, highlighting two state colleges and exploring: how teacher education leaders from the current and former systems perceive these changes and how they meet new challenges. Results from interviews with academic and administrative leaders are presented, emphasizing evaluation of…