The Teacher Education Programme in Sweden. Some Notes.

Overview & Synopsis

This report is the Swedish contribution to the Teacher Education Programme Review, developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Centre for Educational Research and Innovation. The review investigated how institution-based programs of teacher education in different countries adapt to new requirements and new expectations. In Sweden, the training program for comprehensive school teachers was selected as the topic of the review. The report provides background information; describes recent reforms in Swedish teacher education, higher education, and the comprehensive school; and offers suggestions about teacher quality formulated at the policy level. The present situation is described in terms of course characteristics, student characteristics, course philosophy and teaching approach, composition of staff, course structure, assessment of students, field experiences, and involvement of practicing teachers. The report contends that two views of professionalism have developed: (1) professionalism is a necessary precondition for the development of the local school, and requires that teachers have strong methodology and pedagogics as well as a theoretical foundation; and (2) professionalism is guaranteed if every student receives a curriculum of basic knowledge and then training in how to teach a process which requires teachers to have solid subject knowledge followed by practical pedagogical training. (Contains 10 references.) (JDD)