A Pattern Language for Teacher Education

Abstract

Redesign of the teacher education programs at the University of Cincinnati has been structured by a unique conceptual framework. Borrowed from architecture, the framework has enabled college of education faculty, arts and sciences faculty, and public school administrators and teachers to re-envision teaching and teacher education by developing a language of practice. Called A Pattern Language for Teaching, the language identifies areas of knowledge necessary for teaching and specifies the processes and structures for achieving the goals. The concept of developing and using a shared language has allowed us to deliberate about and incorporate goals and values across disciplines and areas of specialization.

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