Edited by Peter Benton
1990

ISBN 978 0 903319 53 9

In 1987 the Oxford University Department of Educational Studies, in partnership with the Oxfordshire Local Education Authority and its schools, launched an entirely new initial training course for secondary teachers – the Internship scheme. This book is about that specific and local reform in teacher education, written by some of those who brought it about and commented upon by experts who are able to place these local developments in a broader national and international context.

Internship, as its name suggests, exploits the analogy of the teaching hospital in medical education. It is grounded in a unique partnership of skilled practitioners in the schools and university academics, all committed to the school-based training of teachers. Now entering its fourth successful year, Internship has aroused great interest both in the UK and abroad and been acclaimed as representing the present ‘state of the art’.

The twelve chapters represent the scheme from different viewpoints. In concluding his chapter, Paul Hirst remarks: ‘Oxford must therefore not only be congratulated on what they have achieved but be thanked for presenting it so fully for the consideration of others. What is more, like all good projects, they leave us not only challenged by what they have done, but provoked to consider “and where do things go from here?”’

The dialogue continues both in Oxford and elsewhere. Meanwhile this book is essential reading for all interested in teacher education.