Title: Innovations in a pre-service teacher education programme

Authors: Sandra Frid, Melanie Smith, Len Sparrow, Sue Trinidad

Addresses: School of Education, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia. ' School of Education, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia. ' School of Education, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia. ' School of Education, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia

Abstract: Recent graduates of pre-service education completed a written questionnaire on teaching practices in mathematics, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and science; professional development needs; and teaching locations. The graduates were implementing innovations in teaching, including integration of ICT into student learning. Surprising findings that emerged for teachers in metropolitan compared to non-metropolitan locations were the influence of the school on practices, lack of time in non-metropolitan locations for professional development and the degree of diversity in student ages and grade levels being taught. Teacher education, while fostering the development of innovative practices, therefore needs to address broader educational factors involving student diversity and school culture.

Keywords: innovation; learning; pre-service teacher education; mathematics education; science education; information technology; communications technology; ICT; teaching practices; professional development needs; teaching location; student diversity; school culture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2009.025063

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2009 Vol.6 No.5, pp.517 - 536

Published online: 11 May 2009 *

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