While inclusive education is widely promoted around the world, the meaning assigned to it remains ambiguous. Regarding that different interpretations have implications for teachers' attitudes and behaviours, those interpretations could possibly exert influence on the inclusive school implementation by teachers. The present study sought to identify…

This study aims to gain a better understanding of the practices of first-year university teachers by considering the distinction between direct instruction and active learning. It is based on the responses of 356 teachers to questions relating to three areas of teaching practice: preparation, implementation and use of digital technology. Principal…

This paper presents an ongoing comparative study of secondary teachers' education programs in France, Greece, and England, with a primary focus on strategies aimed at cultivating a positive learning environment in schools. Recent studies have underlined the significance of teachers' pedagogical competence formation as a determinant element which…

In France, dominant monolingual discourses and teachers' lack of knowledge about bilingualism and second language acquisition often result in 'French only' policies in classrooms including in pre-school classrooms where some emergent bilingual children speak a language other than the language of schooling and very little or no French. These…

Educationalist Fred Korthagen elaborated a model in the 1980s for the relationship between the teacher educator and the teacher which embraces reflective practice as its guiding principle. In the present study, research was carried out into teacher development among a small group of language teachers working in continuing education in France.…

This article describes the rationale for pedagogical, technological and organizational choices in the design of a web-based and open virtual learning environment (VLE) promoting and sustaining self-directed language learning. Based on the last forty years of research on learner autonomy at the CRAPEL according to Holec's definition (1988), we…

I present some key ideas and examples of (mainly French) work in the didactics of mathematics with the aim of identifying the didactics approach to education in relation to more general approaches. In particular I discuss three crucial features of didactics: (1) its epistemological character, i.e. the central focus on specific knowledge in…

Analyzes the evolution of the French physics curricula and experiments from the beginning of the century to the present. Shows the strong coherence of the aspects of energy presented through teaching content and experiments. (DDR)

Describes the theoretical framework, methodology, and results of two scientific programs on content in physical education (PE): pedagogical content knowledge and the didactics of PE. Their similarities and differences and each one's contribution to teaching and learning of PE content are noted. Common themes (understanding processes at the origin…

Examines the training provided for French early childhood educators. Demonstrates that current emphasis on specialized knowledge domains is not adapted to early years education and disregards children's contributions to the learning process. Maintains that training in linguistics and psychology would better equip educators to stimulate children's…

This paper critically reviews the specific role played by universities in initial teacher training. It highlights several unique contributions to good quality teacher training within the university setting. These include advanced subject matter training, research-based instruction, and a critical reflection on practice. The paper also identifies a…

Examines the efforts, in four European countries, to increase the professionalization of teacher training. France recently elevated the status of teachers to civil servants and strengthened certification procedures. Germany retains a high degree of academic excellence and professional training. England and Wales have increased local autonomy and…