Professional Knowledge and Educational Restructuring in Europe
Developing a Conceptual Framework for Understanding
At the end point of the multi-layered refraction process sits the individual or professional. Still we should remember a key player, probably the key player in the process. Alienate your professional groups and your restructuring rhetoric will remain just that – political rhetoric. Let us end then with a recognition of the central and inestimable value of the professional contribution of teachers and nurses in the actual delivery of that about which the rest of us merely pronounce. The professional teacher was described in this way by an experienced Finnish teach education and remember Finland’s exemplary performance in education.
‘Good teacherhood is a personal quality, not a skill learnable by heart. Already at the classroom door one could see if the teacher trainee had enough charisma, enthusiasm, aura and know-how. That was completed by an easy and respectful attitude towards the pupils. Theory could not help if the sentiment was wrong.’
Indeed theory could not help if the sentiment was wrong – neither, we are tempted to add, will restructuring if the professional sentiment is wrong.
