Example teacher training dissertation topic 4:

The role of pedagogy – a critical analysis.

Those involved in the training of teachers repeatedly stress the importance of pedagogical issues. Moreover, a substantial element of university-based teacher training programmes is devoted to pedagogical concerns rather than ‘on the job’ learning in the guise of teaching placements. This dissertation questions whether such submersion in pedagogy is really needed. In setting itself against the prevailing orthodoxy teacher training institutions, it argues – with reference to the independent sector where formal teaching qualifications are not a necessity – that the skills of classroom management, homework setting, and ensuring pupil success in public examinations can be better learnt through practical experience.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Dadds, M. (2001). ‘The politics of pedagogy’, Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, Vol. 7(1), pp. 43-58.
• Gore, J.M., Griffiths, T. and Ladwig, J.G. (2004). ‘Towards better teaching: Productive pedagogy as a framework for teacher education’, Teaching and Teacher Education, Vol. 20(4), pp. 375-387.
• Korthagen, F.A.J. (ed.) (2001). Linking practice and theory: The pedagogy of realistic teacher education. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.