The teacher training system

Having developed this information network, and begun to realize where it is you are working, it is time to ask some specific questions about how teacher training is conducted in the host country. If you like, draw yourself another comparative chart and ask these questions of both the U.S. and the country in which you will be working. The main points you should consider in analyzing teacher education in your country are:

1. What does teacher education look like in your country? What is the structure, general content, etc.?

2. Who receives teacher preparation?

3. How long does it take? (for different levels and settings)

4. Where and when does it occur? (in teacher training colleges, in-service workshops, etc.)

5. How are teachers taught? (what is the standard pedagogical approach?)

There are probably many more questions you can ask to help familiarize yourself with the traditional teacher training context, but this can serve as a starting point. Each time you begin a training program, take some time to refer to your original notes, review them and add to them. They will serve as a reminder and highlight points that you might have begun to take for granted.

ACTIVITY BOX

The following chart will help you to compare the U.S. and host country systems of education. Take a minute to complete it.

As you complete the above chart, consider the following questions:

1. Locus of Control: Who is responsible for deciding/controlling _________(The national government or Ministry of Education,

The region, state, or district; the local community or school system; the principal or Headmaster of the school; the teacher.

2. Influence of Religion

3. Integration of Culture

4. Any other relevant variables.