Teacher Knowledge and the Disjunction between School Curricula and Teacher Education

Abstract

As partners in school curriculum reform, teacher educators have a responsibility to graduate students who are ready to take positions as competent and confident curriculum leaders. However, some curriculum initiatives such as those associated with the introduction of key learning areas in Australia have highlighted the disjunctions between teacher education programmes and contemporary curriculum documents. This article will explore the disjunctions from two perspectives: firstly, by examining the organisation of knowledge in schools and universities, and secondly, by presenting data from a school-based evaluation of the Health and Physical Education key learning area syllabus. The article conclude by raising implications for teacher education and the future organisation of knowledge.