Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is special not only because it is based on research but also because that research has in large measure been commissioned and/or conducted by school-based teacher educators themselves. It reflects a significant step forward towards genuine partnership between schools and universities in initial teacher education. In the autumn of 1992, the Trust contacted six university departments of education (UDEs) – Keele, Leicester, Manchester Metropolitan, Oxford, Sussex and Swansea inviting them to bid for funds to support a research and development initiative on mentoring. The central role is that of the mentor: research and development might be concerned with mentors' knowledge, their problem-solving, the effectiveness of learning through shared experience, with complementary roles such as those of professional tutors in schools and of HE staff.