Teacher preparation : issues and trends in international and Arab frameworks

النوع : Chapter in a Book

The aim of this paper is to provide teacher educators and policymakers with a research-based framework for examining teacher education in the Arab countries in the light of international developments, trends and innovations. Key themes and issues of teacher education are addressed, such as: applications for and admissions to teacher education; the role of governmental and professional institutions in the organization and control of various aspects of the teacher education process, such as types of institutions entrusted with teacher education, terms of admission and graduation and types of certification; curricula of teacher education programs, both in terms of organization and content; practical training during formation; quality assurance of educational programs; and the academic accreditation system. These issues are addressed within two frameworks. The first is the global framework that includes the most prominent international developments, trends and innovations. This international framework was examined through a review of relevant literature, as well as through reports issued by governmental and professional bodies. The second is the Arab framework that involved a review and assessment of the experiences of Arab countries in light of international developments and trends. This Arab framework was examined mainly through regional and national reports, in addition to available literature.