Primary Teacher Education Stakeholder Feedback

During a recent NZQA Monitor's visit, feedback from stakeholders, including students and associate teachers and principals from practicum host schools.

Institutional, Programme & Research Issues:

In his report, the Monitor comments, “Bethlehem staff are making very good use of research to improve teaching and learning within their programmes, as well as contributing to the knowledge base of initial teacher education (and teaching), nationally and internationally. An example of the growing research competence of Bethlehem staff, and the desire for such research to make a difference, is the three booklets, focused on mentoring, recently
produced through Ako Aotearoa, National Project Fund.”

He further commented that, “Programme co-ordination is also being moved ‘to the next level’ as more staff take leadership and management responsibilities,” adding,“Bethlehem staff not only support each other’s professional development, but also support the professional development of teachers at Bethlehem College, Bethlehem Early Learning Centres (5) and the wider community.”

Practicum:
“BTI are to be commended for their special focus, remedial literacy practicum in year two. 
Students commented that this gave them the opportunity to really focus on learning and the ‘needs of the child’.”

 Principals’ Feedback:
“The principals were generally very positive about the B. Ed (Primary) students, staff and programme.  The effort BTI has gone to in recent years to enhance the partnership and
communication between BTI educators, principals and associates was noted, as was
BTI’s efforts to ensure the quality of students.  The special nature of BTI was noted by
two principals. “
 
“The annual Professional Development Afternoon & Appreciation Dinner with Associate Teachers and Principals is appreciated.  This enhances communication and helps develop a collegial approach to initial teacher education.  Principals noted the generally positive relationship between their staff and the staff at BTI.”