Together furnished Teacher Training Studies in Austria

In the Field of Tension between Claims and Challenges

Abstract

The following paper focuses on the innovation in the Austrian teacher education, known as “PädagogInnenbildung Neu” that has thoroughly changed the landscape of the teacher education in this Alpine country. The article explores the beginnings of the reform that results from the criticism of the former
system. In addition, the fundamental reasons and the main issues concerning the reform are outlined; such as an obligatory academic degree required for all teachers or the equal education for all teachers of secondary education.To provide high quality teacher education in Austria four Teacher Education Networks,
comprising the expertise of the participating tertiary institutions, were founded. As a common denominator within these networks conformed teacher education programmes can be seen. In order to ensure high quality of the latter the following measures have been taken: the adaptation of the programmes to the requirements of Bologna (Bachelors and Masters degrees); based on the comprehensive reform
Educational Studies and the Practical-Educational Studies have been given a more prominent place in the study programmes. Moreover, an entrance examination to qualify eligible candidates for the teacher education programmes was introduced. Regarding the ambitious aims of this reform, the article examines the challenges dealt with in the process of implementation of the new study programmes as
well as calls in question the organisation of the teacher education in Austria.