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This edited volume critically engages with the debate on teacher education systems in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), considering the effects of contemporary globalisation processes on each differing geographic location.Written by leading researchers from the BRICS countries, chapters reveal the processes present in these countries regarding the often-problematic relationships between research, policy, and practice, as well as the extent of integration between higher education institutions and basic schools, with particular emphasis on teachers'professional development. With a particular focus on the role of research and positioning of the school practicum, the book offers new insights into the processes of educational globalisation. It presents comparative discussions of the development of BRICS and the significance of education and preparation of teachers between the five nations, each with differing educational traditions.Ultimately, this book provides a unique picture of teacher education systems across these five countries and offers new perspectives that will enrich the work of scholars, students, and researchers in the fields of international and comparative education, education policy and politics, globalisation, and teacher education. Policymakers and teacher educators involved in globalisation studies may also benefit from the volume more broadly.

This book draws on scholarly expertise across the former Soviet Union to provide a comparative analysis of the policies and practices that are discussed within the context of global reform of teacher education.Divided into three parts, chapters of this book discuss the context behind economic and political reform across the former Soviet Union, and the resulting change that has occurred within teacher education systems within the 15 republics that now exist in this ‘post- Soviet space'. Offering a complex and nuanced account of ‘vernacular globalisation', the book discusses the significant contribution that teacher education can make to the process of nationbuilding. In doing so, this truly international volume offers fresh insights and original perspectives on this dynamic educational landscape.Being the first comprehensive account of reforms in all 15 nations that emerged in the post- Soviet world, this book will be of interest to students, scholars, and academics in the fields of teacher education, international, and comparative education, and education policy and politics. It should also be of relevance to teacher educators and policymakers around the world more broadly.

This book examines the history, recent developments, and direction of travel of Russian teacher education. It draws on scholarly expertise and professional experience in Russia and locates the policies and practices that are discussed within the context of the continuing global reform of teacher education.Providing a rich description of the trajectory of teacher education in Russia, the book analyses the processes of change between the history, current practice, and future directions for Russian teacher education. The chapters consider the relationship between research, policy, and practice and examine the respective influences of the former USSR, of processes of wider reform in the Russian Federation since'glasnost'and'perestroika', and of globalisation within education. What emerges from the book is that the Russian case is a prime example of'vernacular globalisation'in teacher education. Many important insights into processes of education reform and some of the major themes in teacher education are discussed, thus providing new perspectives that are likely to be of interest to scholars and researchers of comparative education and teacher education, as well as policymakers.

Learning to Teach in England and the United States studies the evolution of initial teacher education by considering some of the current approaches in England and the United States. Presenting empirical evidence from these two distinct political and historical contexts, the chapters of this thought-provoking volume illustrate the tensions involved in preparing teachers who are working in ever-changing environments. Grounded in the lived experiences of those directly affected by these shifting policy environments, the book questions if reforms that have introduced accountability regimes and new kinds of partnership with the promise of improving teaching and learning, have contributed to more powerful learning experiences in schools for those entering the profession. The authors consider the relationships between global, national and local policy, and question their potential impact on the future of teacher education and teaching more generally. The research adopts an innovative methodology and sociocultural theoretical framework designed to show greater insights into the ways in which beginning teachers'learning experiences are shaped by relationships at all of these levels. A key emerging issue is that of the alignment – or not – between the values and dispositions of the individuals and the institutions that are involved.This book will appeal to academics, researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of teacher education, comparative education, higher education, and education policy and politics.

'[A] really important book […] the growth of interest in teachers in England taking part in educational research is significant.'– John Furlong, Emeritus Professor of Education, Oxford University, UK.Mobilising Teacher Researchers brings together the results of a research project carried out over a two-year period, commissioned by the National College for Teaching and Leadership and involving over 650 schools in England.An internationally renowned group of contributors present crucial and intriguing lessons learnt from the'Closing the Gap: Test and Learn'project, aimed at identifying ways in which to close the attainment gap, raise the achievement of disadvantaged children in England, and introduce new research methods into schools. From the project's policy origins to its implementation, the book captures the diverse range of outcomes from the project, both intended and unexpected. It reveals the ways and extent to which teachers were mobilised as researchers, and how analysis will impact on the future of research-informed practice in schools.This resulting collection of evolutionary debates focuses on topics such as new forms of governance, teacher engagement and the effectiveness of Randomised Controlled Trials. It foregrounds new approaches to school-based educational research, and is crucial reading for anyone concerned with educational research, and seeking to understand education for social mobility.

Is there an ‘ideal'primary school curriculum?Who should decide what the curriculum is?Should teachers have autonomy over how they teach?The curriculum is the heart of what teachers teach and learners learn: effective teaching is only possible with an effective curriculum. Yet in spite of its importance, there has been a crisis in curriculum that has been caused in large part by governments assuming direct control over the curriculum, assessment, and increasingly, pedagogy. Creating the Curriculum tackles this thorny issue head on, challenging student and practising primary school teachers to think critically about past and present issues and to engage with a new wave of curriculum thinking and development. Considering curriculum construction and its impact on teaching and learning in the four countries of the UK, key issues considered include: who should decide the curriculum, its aims and its values the extent to which issues in primary education swing back and forth Subjects versus thematic organisation, stages and phases, progression, breadth and balance prescription versus teacher autonomy the key features of effective classroom practice strategies for assessing the whole curriculum how language in the classroom influences curriculum design understanding curricula in the context of children's social and personal circumstances creativity, curriculum and the classroom. Illustrated throughout with strategies and case studies from the classroom, Creating the Curriculum accessibly links the latest research and evidence with concrete examples of good practice. It is a timely exploration of what makes an effective and meanginful curriculum and how teachers can bring new relevance, motivation and powerful values to what they teach.