Training confident primary modern foreign language teachers in England: An investigation into preservice teachers’ perceptions of their subject knowledge

Woodgate-Jones, A. (2006) Training confident primary modern foreign language teachers in England: An investigation into preservice teachers’ perceptions of their subject knowledge. Teaching and Teacher Education, 24 (1), 1-13. (doi:10.1016/j.tate.2006.10.008).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The National Languages Strategy, published in the UK in 2002 offers all primary school children an entitlement to learn a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) by 2010. The supply of adequately trained teachers is one of the key determinants of the success of this initiative. This paper presents findings from a study involving 18 teacher education institutions offering a primary MFL specialism, focusing particularly on the preservice teachers’ confidence in their own subject knowledge. A compulsory component of the specialism is a month of practicum abroad and this article explores the potential benefits and difficulties associated with this experience, as reported by the preservice teachers through questionnaires and focus groups.

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