Effective teacher attributes: perceptions of early-career and pre-service music teachers

Abstract

In the current climate of Australian teacher education, reviews of both music education and teacher education training are high on the political agenda. In addition there is a well-documented need to research the best ways to prepare music teachers (Asmus, 2000), particularly reflecting the needs of pre-service and early-career teachers (Yourn, 2000). No studies to date have been conducted comparing pre-service and early-career teachers' perceptions of their needs in relation to knowledge and skills (teacher attributes). This paper examines the desirable attributes of effective teachers from the perspectives of pre-service and early-career music teachers and draws conclusions for the reconceptualisation of pre-service teacher education courses.