This article investigates the effects of trainee teachers on secondary school student outcomes. The additional resources which schools receive from being involved in teacher training offer them an opportunity to raise standards, but this has to be set against the possible losses due to school students being taught by inexperienced beginning…

Reports findings consistent with previous studies that discern more support than challenge in student teacher mentoring. Discusses these findings and interprets them based on a comparison drawn from the study of color perception. Concludes that it is important to study the relationship between support and challenge in teacher training. (DSK)

Analyzes the content of conversations between student teachers and their mentors in the United Kingdom. Indicates that both sets of participants used the conversations to limit possibilities for students to fail. Shows that students presented themselves less as learners in their mentors' classrooms and more as fellow teachers or guests. (DSK)