Teacher education in Australian Universities in a period of change: Predictions and preferences for the year 2000

Abstract

Abstract. Predictions and preferences for teacher education in Australia in the year 2000 were identified by surveying teacher educators. The survey was undertaken in 1991, soon after dissolution of the binary system in Australian higher education and at a time of increasing government concern about teacher education. Respondents commented on the future research and teaching missions of teacher educators, the representation and status of teacher education within Australian universities, and relationships between teacher educators, schools and government. Forecasts concerning teacher education in the year 2000 were generally pessimistic, and they conveyed the sense that the training of teachers will be governed by an agenda over which teacher educators have limited direct control. The results of the survey are discussed with reference to the impact that recent changes in the Australian higher education system have had on teacher educators.

Correlates of career advancement in Australian universities

“…In terms of this scenario, career advancement under the unified system will reflect performance at research, even in universities formed by amalgamation of former colleges of advanced education. This was the expectation held by the teacher educators whom Mahony and Over (1993) surveyed in 1991. Teacher educators who had previously worked within the college of advanced education sector believed that career advancement in the unified system will be more dependent on research achievement than excellence in teaching.…”