Problematizing and Reconceptualizing the Theory-Practice Discourse in Teacher Preparation: A Pedagogical Repertoires Perspective

Abstract

This article problematized and reconceptualized the theory-practice dichotomy in initial teacher preparation. Using pre- and post- student teaching interview data from a larger qualitative study that investigated pre-service teachers’ learning, I analyzed pre-service teachers’ conceptualizations of their learning about teaching and learning. Findings demonstrated that pre-service teachers emphasize expansion of pedagogical repertoires rather than potential relationships or connections between what they learn at the university and practices in K-12 educational spaces. The study provides insight into pre-service teacher learning as a continuous process that moves beyond binary interpretations and draws on contexts and experiences that broaden teacher knowledge.

Keywords

• theory-practice discourse
• teacher preparation
• pedagogical repertoires
• pre-service teachers

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