Teachers' Courses for the 70's - Factors affecting in-service training and how some of these were incorporated into the recent two-week course in Northern Ireland

Abstract

For many years summer schools at a number of centres throughout Britain have been familiar hunting grounds for teachers. Not least for teachers of handicraft who have participated in courses ranging from blacksmithing to work with modern synthetic fibres. However, a wind of change is blowing through the aims and organisation of teachers' courses generally.

The enthusiasm of teachers to enhance their vocational and professional status will probably go far towards ensuring that change continues. But where will change take us? Probably of most significance there is an increasing awareness amongst teachers that there is a need not only for courses offering specific technical skill and knowledge but also for more insight into the educational implications of work with tools and materials. Already teachers are demanding such courses and consequently the structure of present arrangements will need to become more flexible insomuch as opportunity for teacher participation in organisation and involvement in decisions relating to content may have to be increased.