Tomas, Louisa, and Lowrie, Kelsey (2026) Conceptualising a Place-based Signature Pedagogical Framework for Initial Teacher Education. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education. (In Press)

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Abstract

This study presents a counter-narrative to standardisation pressures in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) by developing a place-based signature pedagogical framework for the Bachelor of Education (BEd) at a regional Australian university. Drawing on Shulman’s (2005) concept of signature pedagogies, this qualitative social case study engaged 21 teacher educators in collaborative dialogue to develop a contextually responsive signature pedagogical framework. The research employed a three-phase methodology: capturing educators’ aspirations through online consultation; illuminating pedagogical philosophies, approaches and strategies through shared documentation and professional conversations; and synthesising findings into a coherent framework. The resulting framework integrates seven categories of graduate attributes, evidence-informed pedagogical practice and assessment, and acknowledges a spiral curriculum that is responsive to pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) learning needs and autonomy as they move through the developmental phases of the degree. The framework’s emphasis on ‘place’ encompasses cultural, social and educational dimensions aligned with teacher educators’ aspirations for their PSTs. This study shows how teacher educators can reclaim curriculum agency through collaborative co-creation processes that honour local contexts and PST needs. In doing so, it contributes to signature pedagogy scholarship by illustrating how ITE providers can resist standardisation and develop contextually grounded, professionally rigorous approaches to teacher education.

Item ID:	94501
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1469-2945
Keywords:	initial teacher education, signature pedagogies, place-based education, teacher preparation, collaborative methodology, pre-service teachers, curriculum agency, teacher education reform
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2026 05:49
FoR Codes:	39 EDUCATION > 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy > 390102 Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development @ 30% 39 EDUCATION > 3903 Education systems > 390307 Teacher education and professional development of educators @ 70%
SEO Codes:	16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1603 Teaching and curriculum > 160303 Teacher and instructor development @ 100%
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