The promises and limitations of international comparative research on teacher education |
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| Authors: | Hilde Wågsås Afdal |
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| Institution: | Department of Teacher Education, ?stfold University College, Halden, Norway |
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| Abstract: | This article revisits methodological perspectives on international comparative research on teacher education (TE). Benefits and problems related to comparative educational research methodology in general are discussed. Further, methodological issues associated with designing and carrying out an international comparative study on TE are addressed using a multi-level study on teacher education in Finland and Norway an as example. Towards the end of the article, the promises and limitations of international comparative research on TE are presented. Important benefits of comparative education on TE include widening the understanding of one’s own and other TE systems as well as gaining an understanding of international trends. However, uncritical use of such research may lead to decontextualised, ahistorical and standardised transfer and development of education and educational policies. The article concludes by urging researchers in the field of international comparative research on teacher education to address the questions: What is being compared? How is context addressed? |
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| Keywords: | research methodology Comparativ research Educational research teacher education |
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