Teacher Development: Knowledge and Context

Gu (education, U. of Nottingham, UK) investigates the effectiveness of an attempt to introduce and establish Western language teaching methodologies in China. The study centers around the UK Department for International Development's 20-year language teacher education program in China (1979-99). Gu explores issues arising from cross-cultural similarities and differences in perceptions and beliefs about teaching, and their implications for teacher professional development. The research shows how teachers' and teacher educators' knowledge and beliefs about teaching and learning change when challenged by contrasting views shaped by differing cultural contexts and traditions. The perception gaps across and within cultures observed in the research raise questions about the meaning of expertise in cross-cultural contexts. The study also explores common ground in cross-cultural educational development programs, and how mutual understanding and a collaborative working environment might be established in such programs. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Qing Gu is Lecturer in the School of Education, University of Nottingham, UK.