Walking the walk : the need for school leaders to embrace teaching as a clinical practice profession

Presenter Information

Stephen Dinham, University of Melbourne

Start Date

27-8-2012 10:45 AM

End Date

27-8-2012 12:00 PM

Comments

There have been longstanding concerns with teacher pre-service education. The model of university coursework plus practicum has been criticised. Despite attempts to rectify this situation, only a minority of beginning teachers in Australia rate themselves as being well prepared or very well prepared when they begin teaching. This paper examines such concerns before offering an alternative. There are two aspects to this new model. Firstly, a clinical approach to teacher pre-service education coupled with new roles, practices and structures designed to overcome the so-called theory practice gap and enable implementation of evidence-based interventionist practice. One such approach is highlighted. Secondly, the adoption of a clinical approach to teacher education and teaching practice requires understanding, knowledge, commitment and support from education leaders. Educational leaders require a thorough grounding in instructional leadership for clinical teaching if real change towards evidence-based teaching practice for improved student achievement is to occur in schools. Approaches to addressing these needs are outlined.

Abstract

Concurrent Session Block 1

Recommended Citation

Dinham, S. (2012, August 27). Walking the walk : the need for school leaders to embrace teaching as a clinical practice profession [Paper presentation]. 2012 - School Improvement : What does research tell us about effective strategies?. https://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference/RC2012/27august/7