Search

Considers the mediation between scientific knowledge and practical action as a crucial feature of professional teaching. Investigates the assumption that typologies represent a form of knowledge which can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Differentiates between two forms of typological thinking and discusses reservations concerning typologies. (CAJ)

Argues that all forms of education have difficulty moving from knowledge to competent acting. Discusses practical exercise as an alternative to bridge the gap. Recognizes that exercises have to be embedded in trans-situational aims and planning and must include inert emotions. Proposes different training schemes for methodological-didactic and interactive acting. (CAJ)

Previous studies from German-speaking areas of Europe could not prove any substantial development in the competences and the pedagogical content knowledge of prospective history teachers during teacher training, and thus could not empirically confirm the effectiveness of teacher education. We report on the theoretical framework and the results of a new study on the development of knowledge of lesson planning. In the present study, the development of this kind of knowledge could be confirmed by different test instruments. We found significant differences in the level of knowledge between various cohorts of prospective history teachers (n = 282), but some deficits in history teacher training can also be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the research examining the relation between instructional quality (INQUA) and mathematics teachers' competence was restricted to a limited set of competence facets. Furthermore, mostly variable-oriented approaches were applied that assume homogeneity of teacher competence. In our study, teacher competence is conceptualized as a comprehensive multi-dimensional construct including a broad range of subject-specific and generic facets regarding mathematics teachers' knowledge, skills and beliefs, all assessed in a standardized way with well-established instruments. In our person-oriented approach, applying latent profile analysis, we examined whether it was possible to identify subgroups of teachers with different competence profiles. These profiles were then related to the generic and subject-specific INQUA implemented. The exploratory study was carried out with 77 secondary mathematics teachers from Germany as part of the projects TEDS Instruct and TEDS Validate. The data revealed four competence profiles that differed quantitatively and qualitatively. The profiles were related to different types of INQUA, and the relations indicate a need of strong levels of knowledge and skills for high INQUA but a lesser relevance of learning beliefs related to the dynamic nature of mathematics. In addition, our results indicate a need of a stronger subject-specific operationalization of INQUA in contrast to previously dominating generic conceptualizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored teachers’ perspectives on one specific type of acceleration, namely, grade skipping. In addition, we investigated the extent to which teachers’ beliefs about students’ academic, motivational, and social development after grade skipping may explain teachers’ acceptance of this accelerative strategy. Moreover, we examined whether teachers’ acceptance is linked to their decisions about using this intervention. Using data from the PARS project, which included 316 teachers from 18 secondary schools in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, we assessed teachers’ acceptance, beliefs, and perceived knowledge about grade skipping using 4-point rating scales. Teachers also reported whether they had advised a student to skip a grade. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that teachers’ beliefs about students’ social, motivational, and academic development largely explained their acceptance. Teachers who showed a higher level of acceptance and perceived knowledge were more likely to have recommended grade skipping before. Educational implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How individual characteristics affect the acquisition of knowledge in teacher education has been widely unexplored thus far. The 'Teacher Education and Development Study-Learning to Teach Mathematics (TEDS-M)' provides a database for examining this research question across countries. Based on the Taiwanese and German sample of TEDS-M, the relationship between future lower secondary mathematics teachers' knowledge and their affective, cognitive and socio-demographic characteristics was examined using multilevel modelling whilst controlling for the teachers' opportunities to learn. The results reveal that in Germany, teacher knowledge is more strongly affected by future teachers' individual characteristics than teacher knowledge in Taiwan. These results are interpreted against the background of cultural differences between 'the West' and 'the East' or 'individualism' and 'collectivism', respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explores how multiple teacher characteristics (i.e., knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, and self-regulation) co-occur within 649 German teacher candidates at the end of pre-service teacher education and how these profiles are related to teachers' future occupational well-being. A latent profile analysis identified one highly knowledgeable and engaged profile, one profile with below average knowledge, and one profile with below average beliefs, motivation, and self-regulation. These profiles also differed in their emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction. The findings emphasize how teacher candidates differ qualitatively in their pattern of "starting competence" what may have consequences with regard to specific interventions. • Profiles on teacher knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, and self-regulation at the end of pre-service teacher education. • Profiles differed in their combination of high - low knowledge and high - low engagement, one overall high profile. • Profiles also differed in their emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction. • Findings emphasize how teacher candidates differ qualitatively in their pattern of "starting competence". • Deficit profiles may have consequences with regard to specific interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]