International Perspectives on Teacher Education

The preparation of suitably qualified teachers is vital for political, social and economic growth in developing countries. Some major problems have been caused by the enormous growth in primary enrolment and by the need to train more teachers without reducing standards, exacerbated by the fact that in many cases the structure of teacher education is still in its formative stages. However, these problems can lead to innovative options and solutions. Originally published in 1988, this book reports on research and practice in teacher education around the world. It examines, for example, what happens to teacher education at times of great social change or political unrest, as in South Africa or Cyprus, how programmes in, for example, Nigeria or China approach minority education and how teachers are prepared for the teaching of indigenous populations such as the Saskatchevan Indians in Canada. These examples of international teacher education practice are presented within a specific national, regional and cultural context and provide important perspectives on the traditional views of how teachers are and should be prepared and professionally maintained. The book will be of interest to all involved in teacher education, adult education and curriculum design as well as to students of development studies.