Section archive - Trends in Teacher Education

The article examines the design of a teacher action research-based approach with teacher inquiry at the heart of the program. The idea is to transform teachers into teacher action researchers, and teacher agents for systemic change. The change will bring about reforms in time investment, practical challenges, and attitudes about teaching.

The article discusses the merits of teachers' speaking for students in need and standing up for equitable access to resources. Although their actions helped attain support, the teachers reported that advocacy required persistence and sometimes resulted in confrontation with colleagues and administrators.

The article describes a case study of three Vietnamese student teachers who explored the theory of realistic mathematics education (RME), which shifts away from the traditional teaching approach to a student-centered approach. The data included transcripts of class discussions and group discussions, interviews, student teachers’ lesson plans, and journal writings, and revealed that the student teachers were able to adapt the texts of their lessons to suit the student-centered approach.

Key educational experiences in higher education are short and intense instructional episodes that leave a lasting impression on students and their lives. Data from a sample of 3045 educational experiences focused on 11.6% that related to higher education. Results of qualitative analyses of the data suggest that the key experiences involve moments of self revelation for students. These moments take place in academically challenging environments, where professors provide students with sage advice, and opportunities for second chance for self-discovery.