1.4 Themes and Variations

There were local variations to the overall pattern outlined above. This was deliberate and reflected the specific circumstances of each system and the enthusiasms of the researchers to explore in more depth particular issues. Thus, in addition to the core research programme based on the research matrix questions, a variety of sub-studies were conceptualised (see Chapter 2 for examples). Three D. Phil. studies were developed to address specific questions in very considerable detail. John Hedges explored issues to do with the induction and posting of new teachers in Ghana, focusing on problems and issues confronting new teachers in rural locations. Dominic Furlong developed research on financing teacher education in Ghana using data collected across the College system. Alison Croft studied the training and development of infant teachers in Malawi, focussing particularly on how teachers use the local culture and environment effectively in resource-constrained classrooms.