Curriculum and professional standards mandate that digital technologies are used in schooling, and consequently, universities are required to prepare pre-service teachers for this in initial teacher education degrees. In response, one Australian university developed an inquiry-based collaborative approach, called creative inquiry. Feedback from…

The four components of an undergraduate curriculum theory course are outlined. In addition, results are reported from a survey (N=100) designed to assess the effectiveness of the course. (IAH)

The preservice teacher education program at the University of Western Sydney (Australia) includes in-school experiences intended to address criticisms of the traditional practicum. This article outlines the principles underlying an innovative final semester school-based experience; describes the experiences in practice; and discusses student,…

The University of New England (Australia) conducts annual professional experience visits to remote rural areas in Papua New Guinea for trainee teachers and staff. This article examines changes in student teachers' perceptions after experiencing a culture and environment so different from their own. Surveys have indicated that students…

A collaboration between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States lets student teachers experience the educational systems of other countries. Student teachers, cooperating teachers, and teacher educators work together to ensure successful experiences for Pacific Region Student Teaching Program participants. Positive aspects, barriers, and…

Describes how a small, innovative Australian teacher education faculty introduces its students to a lifelong habit of critical reflection on professional practice. The program hopes to create students with a deeper understanding of what schools are like, constraints against change, and working within schools to facilitate change. (SM)

Surveys of Australian, English, Irish, and Scottish classroom teachers who hosted U.S. student teachers examined factors contributing to program success. Most believed the experience benefitted their schools and students. Though they reported some adjustment difficulties, most were not insurmountable. They believed U.S. students advanced in many…