Professional experience in new times: issues and responses to a changing education landscape

Abstract

This paper discusses policy and practice relevant to teacher education and professional experience programs in Australia, aiming to assist not only reading our past and present, but also offering strategic direction with respect to the challenges and opportunities that are emerging within the Australian context. A meta-analysis of current major trends in Australian educational reform and the implications of an ‘education revolution’ for professional experience are discussed. The paper maps and examines broadly key education agendas of ‘productivity, participation and quality’. In relation to these agendas, significant policy trends are identified under the headings of partnerships, preparation and professional learning, and the implications of each for the field of teacher education and professional experience are explored. Some comparisons with similar reforms that have occurred in Scotland and England are offered to provide insights and alternative directions for those working in the field. Finally, a range of possibilities and suggestions, along with cautionary tales of locally based professional experience practices, are provided.

Keywords:

• partnership
• preparation
• professional experience
• professional learning