The role of practical experience: toward an ITE signature pedagogy

This paper explores implications for school- and university-based teacher educators, in light of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) policy developments in England. Shulman’s (2005a, b) notion of professional signature pedagogy is presented and used as a framework with which to analyse the congruence between ITE policy and the needs of the teacher workforce. The analysis is presented using Schön’s (1987) reflective practicum of professional knowledge and learning as a lens through which to establish the needs of new professionals. The paper highlights the crucial roles that school-based mentors will be required to undertake as pre-service teacher education becomes increasingly school-led and heavily reliant on practical experience.