Abstract

This paper outlines the historical context within which the current reforms to initial teacher education in Wales can be viewed. The first section sketches the main historical developments before exploring three key themes which continue to have strong resonance today: the rationale and curriculum for teacher education, the nature of school/University collaboration in teacher preparation and the development of educational research within initial teacher education, at University and school partnership level. The central argument is that if teacher educators are to contribute fully to the wider reforms which are taking place within the education system in Wales, they would be wise to critically reflect on past experiences of the three themes discussed. The paper concludes that a failure to do so might leave providers ill-informed, underprepared and always reacting to change rather than taking a proactive and well-defined role in influencing the future of education in Wales.

How to Cite:

Egan, D. & Grigg, R., (2020) “The History of Initial Teacher Education in Wales: Lessons from the Past?”, Wales Journal of Education 22(1), 7-36. doi: https://doi.org/10.16922/wje.22.1.2-en