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Ó Conaill, Neil (2017) Researching teacher learning: the contribution of co-teaching. EdD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

Formal placements on initial teacher education programmes focus on the students’ learning and, in some contexts, co-operating teachers are involved formally as mentors in this process. Traditionally in Ireland, the location of this research, co-operating teachers had no formal or recognized role on placement. However, recent policy changes (Teaching Council, 2011) recognize the significant contribution which co-operating teachers can make to the student on placement. In the context of this policy change, this research examines how a co-teaching model of placement promotes the learning of the student teacher and of the co-operating teacher, thereby redefining the roles assumed by both on traditional placements.

Following a case study approach in the qualitative paradigm, this research documents the experience of four co-teaching partnerships, each comprised of a final year student teacher and an experienced teacher. Data gathered included semi-structured interviews, planning templates, reflections and vignettes and these were analysed to determine how co-teaching compared with formal placements as a learning to teach experience, how each co-teacher learned from the other and how each co-teacher considered they contributed to the others’ learning.

The research concluded that professional dialogue between students and co-operating teachers was enhanced when the placement model promoted and expected such dialogue, as opposed to leaving it at the participants’ discretion. The students to a greater extent than the teachers, were able to articulate the professional knowledge which they developed in the course of co-teaching. In light of the policy focus on the role of the co-operating teacher, the implications of these findings, at an immediate practice level and at a national policy level are considered and areas of further research are also identified.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (EdD)
Supervisors:	Hood, Philip Fisher, Tony
Keywords:	co-teaching, school placement, student teacher, co-operating teacher, professional knowledge, mentoring
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1705 Education of teachers
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Social Sciences, Law and Education > School of Education
Item ID:	41920
Depositing User:	O'Conaill, Neil
Date Deposited:	19 Jul 2017 04:40
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2017 22:32
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/41920

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