Authors

Ann Harlow, Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, The University of WaikatoFollow
Donella J. Cobb, The University of WaikatoFollow

Planting the Seed of Teacher Identity: Nurturing Early Growth through a Collaborative Learning Community

Abstract

Abstract: This paper reports on the findings of a reconceptualised Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme where a collaborative relationship between the university and partner schools saw the shared responsibility for the first year ITE programme. Findings from this study suggests that ongoing, authentic teaching experiences in collaboration with school-based university tutorials provided a strong foundation for the early development of teacher identity. Wenger’s (1998) social theory of learning provides a theoretical framework for understanding why this community of practice has been particularly effective in planting the seed of teacher identity at such an early stage of the ITE programme.

Recommended Citation

Harlow, A., & Cobb, D. J. (2014). Planting the Seed of Teacher Identity: Nurturing Early Growth through a Collaborative Learning Community. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 39(7). https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2014v39n7.8