Peter McDermott

A Comparison of Student Teacher and Supervisor Perceptions of Student Teaching

ABSTRACT This study compares the beliefs of prospective teachers about their capabilities in teaching, with the perceptions of their supervisors. Two groups of prospective teachers, undergraduates and graduate students, and their supervisory teachers are examined by questionnaire. The major difference between the undergraduate and graduate training programs is 400 hours of practical experience for the former. Student‐teachers were found to be confident before and after student‐teaching, but supervisors had differing perceptions of undergraduates and graduate students. Results are discussed both in terms of integration of theory and practice, and also the possible ambiguity and complexity of the ratings.