Scotland’s student teachers: learning the lessons

This work follows an in-depth report published by the Committee in 2017 on the teacher work force in Scotland. That report found there was no baseline standard for literacy and numeracy in teacher education.

Patchy and inconsistent student placements were also addressed in the 2017 report, with the Committee calling for more work to ensure that students on placement were properly supported.

Now the Committee will revisit these recommendations to find out what progress has been made.

Speaking as the inquiry launched, the Committee Convener, Clare Adamson MSP said: “Teachers are at the heart of our education system and it is so important that our student teachers feel confident and supported as they enter the classroom.

“What this Committee heard in 2017 was that there was work to be done at a national level, by the Scottish Government and the GTCS, education authorities and initial teacher education providers. For some, the training on the work placements or the probation experiences they received did not sufficiently prepare them for the challenges they would face on a daily basis.

“We called for a closer look at course content, for example in relation to online safety for pupils and supporting those with additional support needs. We also called for better provision of work placements.

“Now we want to find out whether changes were made. We want to hold the bodies to account to make sure that the learning experience, be it the theory or in practice in schools, being given to our future teachers meets the needs of Scotland’s education system.”

Now the Committee wants to hear from student teachers and teachers. It has published a survey to hear the views of those currently undertaking initial teacher education, as well as those recently qualified.

More information about the Committee’s inquiry can be found here.