In this paper, we explore the views of Finnish university faculty leaders, such as deans and directors, concerning teacher educators' professional development. Although teachers' professional development has been investigated for decades, teacher educators' professional development has until recently been under-researched. Faculty leaders could be…

This research focuses on the identity development of ten student teachers during a one-year Teacher's Pedagogical Studies program in Finland. The students wrote narratives that represented their beliefs of 'good' teaching, and in this study, these beliefs are called as personal practical theories (PPTs). After two teaching practicum experiences,…

Personal practical theories (PPTs) are built based on underlying beliefs, experiences, values and conceptions regarding 'good teaching'. Having a vision of teaching and valuing the work may have a strong effect on one's sense of identity, resilience and commitment. This study focused on Finnish teacher students' (N = 84) PPTs constructed during…

Researching can be viewed as a way of analysing issues of schooling by linking theoretical knowledge with perceptions of educational reality already during teacher education. Not only does practicing teaching provide a context for analysing instruction, learning, school culture, diversity, or any other issue related to schooling, also researching…

This paper examines the context of teacher education in which certain students work as teachers whilst at the same time they study in a teacher education programme. The two phenomena that are discussed are the integration of theory and practice, and learning while working. These are located in the wider framework of teachers' pedagogical thinking,…