An investigation into the preparation of pre-service teachers for teaching in low SES contexts

Jacqueline D’warte and Loshini Naidoo

In this study we are investigating how Western Sydney University, School of Education prepares Pre-Service Teachers for teaching in low SES contexts. We are examining the experiences of pre-service teachers during their Professional Experience teaching in low SES schools and exploring School Executives’ perceptions of quality teaching for low SES schools. We seek to understand the successes and challenges of working in SES contexts. This qualitative case study comprises semi-structured focus group and individual interviews 60mins duration with academic staff, pre-service teachers and school executives. This case study will triangulate different sources of evidence which come from interviews; as well as from different perspectives of those interviewees, thereby resulting in in-depth depiction (Yin, 2014, p. 48).

Data analysis is currently in progress.