From education to employment

Report makes case for research in teacher education

An 18-month inquiry has warned that UK teachers are falling behind their international counterparts because of a lack of coherent training throughout their careers.

The report, carried out by the British Educational Research Association (BERA) and the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), said teachers in countries such as Finland, Canada and Singapore benefit from being involved in educational research.

The Institute for Learning (IfL), an independent professional body, said it welcomed the report, and the case it makes for the development of self-improving education systems.

“IfL fully endorses the view that enquiry-based practice should start with initial teacher training and extend throughout a teacher’s career, so that innovative and collaborative practice is embedded in the institution, and becomes the normal way of teaching and learning, driven by teachers,” said IfL chief executive Jean Kelly.

“This aligns closely with IfL’s model of professionalism, in which teachers and trainers are empowered to take responsibility for their professional development; encouraged to collaborate and share with peers; and trusted to exercise their professional autonomy in seeking the most successful outcomes for their learners.”

Natalie Thornhill


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