International Conference on Teaching Out-of-field: A world-wide phenomenon
Jointly hosted by the UNESCO Teacher Education Centre and OOFTAS Collective
Online, 17 October, 2023
The phenomenon of out-of-field teaching is a prevalent issue worldwide, especially in most developing countries where the prevalence in primary and middle schools is alarmingly high. Despite its significance, discussions on the current state and consequences of out-of-field teaching in developing countries are seldom found in international scholarly journals. Reponses to out-of-field teaching differs internationally depending on government and local policies. Issues relate to how teachers are recruited to the profession, equitable distribution of teachers, and opportunities for out-of-field teachers to re-specialise. Therefore, we aim to use this joint venture to discuss the out-of-field teaching phenomenon and shed light on future policies to overcome the negative outcomes worldwide, especially for developing countries.
Please note that this is not so much a research conference, but a conference to gather ideas, so please consider what insights from your research and activities will be most relevant for this forum. You can contribute through a presentation (see Expression of Interest below) or through your participation on the day.
Event Goals:
Foster Dialogue: To encourage rich dialogue around out-of-field teaching, its occurrence, and measures to address the challenges it poses.
Active Participation: To involve attendees in presenting insights, research, initiatives, and engaging in facilitated discussions.
Conference
Powered by Zoom
Cost: Free
Key dates:
Expressions of Interest closes: September 23
Registration closes: October 7
Online Summit: October 17,
9am - 5pm
Conference convenors and contacts:
Prof. Dr. Bo Ning
UNESCO Teacher Education Center
ningbo@tec-unesco.org.cn
Assoc. Prof. Linda Hobbs
Deakin University, OOFTAS Collective
l.hobbs@deakin.edu.au
Reference Topics:
Prevalence of the Out-of-Field Teaching Phenomenon Worldwide: Examining the spread of this phenomenon.
Reasons for the Occurrence of Out-of-Field Teaching: Understanding underlying causes.
Outcomes of Out-of-Field Teaching: Exploring potential impacts on students, teachers, schools, and communities.
Policies and Measures to Tackle Negative Outcomes: Reviewing strategies and specific measures globally, particularly professional development courses and teacher recruitment strategies.
Participant Expectations:
Willingness to Present or Share: Contributing personal insights.
Participation in Facilitated Discussions: Collaborating to explore solutions or deepen understanding.Short Program
Program:
Downloadable version of the program for October 17th, 2023: here
The event is likely is 9am to 4:30pm (Shanghai time)
Online Academic Salon: Professional Development and other Actions to Support OOF Teachers
Chair: Assoc. Prof. Linda Hobbs, Associate Head of School (Research), Deakin University, Convener of the Out-of-field TAS Collective
Co-Chair: Prof. Ming Huo, China Institute of Rural Education Development, East China Normal University
Presentation 1: Potential student outcomes for OOF teaching in Secondary Math and ELA in Texas, USA
Dr Minda Lopez & Assoc. Prof. Jim Van Overschelde, Texas State University, United States
Video | Presentation
Presentation 2: Out-of-field teaching, post-primary mathematics education and the Irish context
Prof. Máire Ní Ríordáin, University College Cork, Ireland
Video | Presentation
Presentation 3: Being an out-of-field teacher: An opportunity model
Fiona Yardley, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
Video | Presentation
Presentation 4: CoMAP to navigate the complexities of out of field teaching for pre-service and early-career teachers
Dr Susan Caldis, Macquarie University, Australia
Video | Presentation
Presentation 5: Beginning teachers experiences of teaching out-of-field in their transition to the profession
Renee Preval-Mann, Macquarie University, Australia
Video
Presentation 6: Teaching Out-of-Field: Personal Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Science and Engineering Practices and their Implementation in the Classroom
Dr Harleen Singh, California State University Stanislaus, United States
Video | Presentation
Presentation 7: A microcredential supporting out-of-field teachers of mathematics. Principles guiding instructional design
Dr Lewes Peddell, Southern Cross University & Darius Samojlowicz, MANSW, Australia
Video | Presentation
Presentation 8: Designing empowering professional development for out-of-field teachers - Insights from Israel
David Perl-Nussbaum & Prof. Edit Yerushalmi, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
Video | Presentation
Presentation 9: Supporting quality teaching by out-of-field teachers of mathematics
Assoc. Prof. Jill Brown, Deakin University, Australia
Video
Presentation 10: Designing Professional Learning for Out-of-Field Teachers of Years 7-10 Chemistry
Lisa Chiavaroli, Monash University; Dr Seamus Delaney, Deakin University; Dr Mick Moylan, University of Melbourne; Caroline Drenen, Department of Education; Gayatri Vazirani, Department of Education, Australia
Video | Presentation
Presentation 11: Out-of-field teachers of mathematics trajectories through a professional development programme
Dr Stephen Quirke, Dublin City University, Ireland
Video
Presentation 12: NSW Mathematics Retraining and Mentoring Programs
Simone Richardson & Cassandra Portelli, NSW DoE
Video
Presentation 13: Final provocation: Imagining professional learning for OOFT
Dr Emily Ross, University of Queensland; Dr Susan Caldis, & Janet Dutton, Macquarie University, Australia
Video | Presentation | Slide outcomes
Expression of Interest
EOIs are now closed.
Submit an Expression of Interest to present a 10-15 minute presentation on any of the above reference topics. We are looking for insights that can shed light on future policies to overcome the negative outcomes worldwide, especially for developing countries. Your presentation will need to explain your context, given that the issues surrounding teaching OOF are so context specific.
You can present on zoom or in-person.
Expressions of interest close September 23
You must also register for the event.
Registration
Registration closes on October 7, 2023