The cate-study; developing a student survey to measure coherence between theory and practice in teacher education programs.

Resumen

Improving the quality of teacher education is important in order to heightening teaching standards in primary and secondary schooling, ensuring equal opportunities for all children regardless of socioeconomic status and ethnic backgrounds. Linking theory and practice and offering a coherent vision of teaching and learning are considered to be key elements in a high quality teacher education program. The international CATE-study investigates how this is being accomplished at eight universities in five different countries. One of the instruments that have been developed in the CATE-study is a teacher-student survey. In this article the different stages in the development of the survey isoutlined.The questions in the survey are theoretically grounded, but simultaneously building on analysis of previously conducted surveys connected to similar issues. During the spring semester of 2013, the CATE-survey was piloted (n=139). Based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of this piloting, the survey waslater revised and now consists of 32 single questions grouped into six analytical construct. These constructs are linked to three overarching themes; practice, theory and coherence.By developing a survey instrument that have the potential to function as a quality measure in teacher education programs, the CATE-study can make a valuable contribution to the develop2 Ole Kristian Bergem, Kirsti Klette, Karen Hammerness ment of high quality teacher programs around the world. Based on the important information about the connection between theory and practice that the student survey will make available, such programs can be redesigned in a way that will secure that they are able to prepare the best teachers for our children.