Following some harsh criticism from the chair of the NEW SOUTH WALES Board of Study, the federal Education Minister, (mr) BRENDAN NELSON, has launched a new inquiry into teacher education.
The new enquiry, examining how universities prepare future teachers and the philosophies behind their teaching methods, also follows criticism that recommendations from a 2003 inquiry were not followed-up.
But some see the inquiry as an extreme reaction to the criticism, and a way to attack the teaching profession.
A recent editorial by a University of Western SYDNEY Associate Professor, (mr) WAYNE SAWYER, in a NEW SOUTH WALES journal for educators, argues that teachers are not promoting critical thinking in their students.
Professor SAWYER uses the example of the children overboard affair, and the HOWARD government’s return to power, as a way to demonstrate that people aren’t thinking critically about issues.
An excerpt from the editorial:
F201-a SAWYER 15 secs
Did our former students just not care? We knew before the election that children overboard was a crock* — but as it was yesterday’s news, did they not care about that either? Has English failed not only to create critical generations, but also failed to create humane ones?
Coming just days after the inflammatory article, the federal education minister’s response was swift and harsh, casting doubt on the education that teachers are receiving.
F201-b NELSON 14 secs
There is no doubt in my mind, that whilst it’s not the case in every university in the country, there are problems with teacher training and preparation. In too many instances I’ve had teacher education faculties described to me as quasi-sociology departments.
But Dr NELSON says the inquiry is not aimed at attacking the teaching profession, but rather making teachers more professional.
F201-c NELSON 17 secs
It would be quite wrong to suggest in any sense that this is an attack on the teaching profession. The teaching profession should welcome this. And what I’m trying to do, perhaps in a sense, using my former profession of medicine as some sort of template, is to bring the same kind of professionalism to teachers because goodness knows, they need it.
The Opposition’s Education spokeswomen (ms) JENNY MACKLIN says it is the third investigation into teacher training in the past two years, but she still supports the inquiry.
F201-d MACKLIN 19 secs
We really do need now some serious action from the government. Of course we’re always pleased to support an inquiry that is going to improve the teaching standards in our schools, but there are a number of things this government could be doing to improve teacher education right now.
The inquiry will also investigate the adequacy of funding for teacher training courses, as well as how well-prepared teachers are to deal with bullying and disruptive students.
Public hearings will begin in May and the inquiry will last 12 to 18 months.
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*crock — lies, deception.
