INNOTE: Induction for Novice Teachers

The aim of the INNOTE project is to enrich each other, to develop and pilot a comprehensive induction and mentoring program, with regard to research proven data and the countries´ own flavors. For this we do several activities with partners who are either universities (teacher education institutions) or schools. With both type of partners there is an ideal cooperation between the practice and the theory. As partners come from countries with totally different induction systems and history, this enriches the quality of information gathered within this project.

Gathering information is done in several ways. First of all we describe the induction policies in the different countries. Secondly, we collect good practices: induction activities done at school. This is underpinned by information gathered from newly qualified teachers by interviewing them about their learning needs. Furthermore we will assess the quality of newly qualified teachers in the different countries.

This information is disseminated to target groups in several ways. We already organized an international seminar which will be followed by two others and an international conference. Nationally we organized a workshop per country that is also followed by two more workshops per country around induction topics. Presentations at national and international conferences are meant to reach target groups like teacher educators and policy makers.

Survival or development

An important notice found in the information gathered till so far is that most induction systems seem to focus on "surving the fist year(s)". Professional development to become a good/excellent teacher seems to be not the main aim in the different systems at school and government level. In the further part of this project, we will especially stress this issue.

An important notice found in the information gathered till so far is that most induction systems seem to focus on "surving the fist year(s)". Professional development to become a good/excellent teacher seems to be not the main aim in the different systems at school and government level. In the further part of this project, we will especially stress this issue.