Abstract:
The paper reports on a study in which I have been involved over the last two years, investigating the learning of final-year primary student teachers and their co-operating teachers during the practicum. The setting for the study was a "disadvantaged" school within the South Australian State education system, which has a high proportion of children from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Two conclusions relating to learning and the practicum in a disadvantaged school setting can be drawn from the study: (1) There are significant positive learning outcomes for student teachers as a result of having a third-year practicum in a disadvantaged school setting; BUT (2) Immersion is not enough if student teacher learning is to be maximised.
As a result of having their values confronted and challenged, the student teachers involved in the study changed their attitudes towards disadvantaged schools and children in poverty. They also learnt about social justice and how this translated into the classroom. However, immersion was not enough for the student teachers to maximise their learning from this setting. Recommendations for changes to the practicum, based on the notions of empowerment, collaboration and reflection, are discussed in this paper.
Two conclusions relating to learning and the practicum in a disadvantaged school setting can be drawn from the study: (1) There are significant positive learning outcomes for student teachers as a result of having a third-year practicum in a disadvantaged school setting; BUT (2) Immersion is not enough if student teacher learning is to be maximised.
As a result of having their values confronted and challenged, the student teachers involved in the study changed their attitudes towards disadvantaged schools and children in poverty. They also learnt about social justice and how this translated into the classroom. However, immersion was not enough for the student teachers to maximise their learning from this setting. Recommendations for changes to the practicum, based on the notions of empowerment, collaboration and reflection, are discussed in this paper.