Sorin, R. (2002) Bridging the gap - the impact of a preservice teachers' network on the developing early childhood teacher. In: Challenging Futures: changing agendas in teacher education. From: Challenging Futures, 3-7 May 2002, Armidale, NSW.

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Abstract

Currently in Queensland, preservice teachers undertake four years of undergraduate study and up to 100 days of practicum before entering the profession. While a variety of subjects and experiences feed into their development as teachers, there are a1ways other topics that could be covered or covered in more depth to increase preservice teachers' knowledge bases and competence. Adding to this is their development as self-directed, lifelong learners who take responsibility for the path and direction of their learning. To address some of these concerns, Megina Kazil teachers' network was initiated at James Cook University in 2000 as a student network. Its aim was to extending in-class learning by providing students with professional development opportunities and opportunities to network with practicing early childhood teachers and professionals in other fields that support early childhood. It also aimed to get early childhood preservice teachers self-sufficient at running the group, including planning and organising speakers and events, recruiting members and arranging meetings. This research was conducted one year on, to look at the impact of the network on student teachers. Students attending Megina Kazil events were given surveys to complete and participants were chosen as a purposive sample - one where they were selected based on their ability to provide the greatest amount of information about the group. In the first stage of this research, participants were interviewed individually about their views of how Megina Kazil had impacted upon them. Data were collated and areas that emerged included: developing the self, developing relationships and developing the profession.

Item ID:	14642
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
ISBN:	978-0-9581442-1-6
Keywords:	early childhood; networks
Date Deposited:	20 Sep 2017 03:06
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1399 Other Education > 139999 Education not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939999 Education and Training not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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