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Practical experience in teacher training: A preliminary and qualitative assessment of the improved NIE-School partnership model in Singapore
Citation
Wong, A. F. L., & Goh, K. C. (1999). Practical experience in teacher training: A preliminary and qualitative assessment of the improved NIE-School partnership model in Singapore. In S. P. Loo (Ed.), Proceedings of the MERA-ERA Joint Conference 1999: Educational Challenges in the New Millennium (pp. 1146-1153). Malaysian Educational Research Association; Educational Research Association (Singapore).
Author
Wong, Angela F. L.
•
Goh, Kim Chuan
Abstract
There has been a constant debate between theory and practice linkages in teacher training. In some cases this has taken on a political dimension in public debate about declining standards of teacher training (e.g., in the UK, Lawler, 1990). In light of this need and the recognition of the limitations that training institutes and teacher educators have in providing sound practical experience to trainee teachers, the National Institute of Education (NIE) embarked on an improved Partnership Model with schools which gives greater ownership of the practical training to schools. Being a new model, its implementation needs close monitoring so that interventions could be made to improve the understanding of the model by all concerned, and its operation, particularly in schools. This model was de facto implemented when the PGDE Special January 99 intake underwent their seven-week school experience prior to coming to NIE for full time courses. Since then the July 1998 and the January 1999 PGDE intakes have undergone practicum under this model in March and July 99 respectively. Feedback regarding its implementation were obtained via interviews from principals, School Co-ordinating Mentors, and trainee teachers of selected schools. The NIE supervision coordinators also provided oral and written feedback. This paper describes the rationale and context within which the new model was proposed and implemented. It also provides a qualitative and preliminary assessment of the extent to which the objectives of the new model have or are being met, what problems were encountered and how these were resolved.
Date Issued
1999
Description
This paper was published in the 1999 Proceedings of the MERA-ERA Joint Conference held at Malacca, Malaysia from 1-3 December 1999