Primary education : simply an academic experience?

Abstract

This paper studies how prospective student-teachers comprehend the term education in relation to their primary education experience, and how future primary school teachers give weight to different subjects on the curriculum and why. The cohort of Primary B.Ed (Hons) students (intake October 2003) was questioned on its first day at University. As was expected, English, Maltese, and Mathematics were mentioned as the most important subjects during their primary education; however, the reasons behind this choice were varied. Their concept of education had been influenced by an academic-oriented curriculum. Although the NMC (1995) advocates a holistic-oriented approach, these respondents have had a diverse experience . It is presumed that during their pre-service training students are exposed to studies which would enlighten their perceptions; however, the question remains whether “the effects of teacher education on attitudes and beliefs are only temporary...” (Morgan et al, 2002), meaning that they will revert to their previous perceptions once they go in the field.