Initial training of high school teachers. Chilean pedagogical universities at a glance

Abstract

This research, carried out in 2006-2007, analyzes the connection between the Chilean Pedagogical University and the Centres for secondary education in Professional Practice. The field of study comprises 54 focuses on professors, of three universities, opinion polls, interviews to directors and the students’ participation in focus groups.
The results endorse and explain the consideration of four teaching competences (technique, methodological, social and personal) and the persistence, in the teaching staff and students, of the idea that disciplinary training is more important than pedagogical training. Moreover, the weak and dysfunctional relationship between Universities and Centres for Professional Practice and the introduction in University of subjects and contents far removed from the labour reality. It is confirmed the necessity of a training in connection with the action, the convenience of relating disciplinary knowledge to pedagogical, the importance of group work and the consideration of student as a person.