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Bridging the historical divide?: an analysis of teacher placements in industry

This paper analyses and reports the results of a questionnaire survey of teacher perceptions, knowledge and attitudes in respect of education and industry links arising from placement in industry. The questionnaire items were derived from a previous (interview) study conducted in 1988/89, enabling a measure of change to be made. The questionnaire was sent to a random national sample of secondary and primary schools. A response rate of 43 per cent was achieved. The study found that all teachers ranked general basic skills as the highest priority outcomes from education. Attitudes to business were largely positive, though there were concerns about business ethics. There were several differences between primary and secondary respondents' views of the nature and frequency of pupil contacts with the world of work and since 1989 secondary contacts had increased while primary contacts had remained stable. There was a positive association of length of teacher placements with their perceived value. Teachers generally felt there should be stronger links with local employers, though primary teachers were less enthusiastic. Teacher knowledge of link organisations was generally high. These findings are discussed as problematic in respect of phase differences, of the nature of the Teacher Placement Service's objectives in a flexible labour market, the effectiveness of teacher placement, and differing values attached to placement by senior and junior staff.

This paper analyses and reports the results of a questionnaire survey of teacher perceptions, knowledge and attitudes in ...  Show Full Abstract  

Authors: Abbott, Ian; Campbell, R. J.; Merson, M. W.;
Date: 1996
Journal title: British journal of education and work
Resource type: Article
Subjects: Research; Secondary education; Industry;

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