Alternatives in Teacher Education

The search for new and better approaches to teacher education, as a remedy to educational problems in all major cities and elsewhere, has been a futile enterprise. What might improve teacher education? The answer is complicated and deserves explanation. Would improved teacher education help resolve our educational difficulties? If it would not-as one could argue strongly-how should we view the challenge of education today? Our professional experience and understanding suggests a variety of recommendations for improving teacher education. Perhaps we should develop a more scientific approach to teacher training. Possibly, on the other hand, we should be more concerned with affective aspects of the teaching situation. Should we develop more flexible and adaptable programs in order to accommodate the diversity of student interests, motivations, and abilities? Or should we focus on the distinctive culture and lifestyle of blacks, Puerto Ricans, Chicanos, and other oppressed people? Should we offer more intensive field experiences, avoiding empty theory? Other suggestions could be made, but these illustrate opinions that are commonly expressed. Let us consider these opinions and learn what we can about the improvement of education.