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'Asia Literacy' through Research-Oriented School-Engaged Teacher Education: From Volunteer Mandarin Teaching-Assistants to Volunteer Teacher-Researchers

Authors :
Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA)
Singh, Michael
Zhao, Da Cheng
Source :
Australian Teacher Education Association. 2009.
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

This paper explores the possibilities for building research-oriented, school-engaged teacher education through the professional learning of volunteer teacher-researchers. Volunteerism in education covers a broad spectrum of people and activities ranging from working in school canteens to supporting language and literacy programs. This paper reports on the professional learning of volunteer Mandarin teaching assistants as they develop into volunteer teacher-researchers. Situating this study in relation to Australian National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program, this paper draws on concepts from "Asia literacy" for its theoretical framework. A review of the research literature points to a need to value volunteers' contributions to teaching experience as a way of promoting volunteerism in schools. Elements of the research method for the study reported here include the project's focus, the participants and their selection, and ethical protocols. The analysis of evidence explores the transition through the work-integrated professional learning of these volunteer teacher-researchers, tracking their development through a collection of 28 documents. The discussion section uses the concept of "Asia literacy" to analyse the value of this research-oriented, school-engaged teacher education program. (Contains 4 tables.)

Details

Language :
English
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Australian Teacher Education Association
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
ED524758
Document Type :
Reports - Evaluative<br />Speeches/Meeting Papers