Preservice Teachers' Perceptions of School Organization and Development

• In Event: 75.040 - Teacher Candidates' Beliefs, Perceptions, and Assumptions

Abstract

An in-depth understanding of the complexity and interrelatedness of factors influencing school organization and development is a prerequisite for successfully adapting and responding to constant change within schools, where teachers are expected to play an integral part. Currently, there is little empirical research focused on organizational content knowledge of pre-service teachers. This study investigates how pre-service teachers (N = 951) assess their knowledge in relevant fields of school organization and development. Findings indicate that pre-service teachers’ perceived knowledge regarding school organization and development is rather low. Not even a six month school-based training provides deeper understanding of the complexity and interrelatedness of factors influencing school organization and development. A competency-based training program focussing on school organization and development is suggested.

Authors

• Dirk Ifenthaler, University of Mannheim

• Nicole Bellin-Mularski, University of Potsdam

• Dana-Kristin Mah, University of Potsdam