Patterns of development in second-career teachers' conceptions of learning and teaching

This study was aimed at deepening our understanding of second-career teachers' conceptions of teaching and learning. Initial conceptions held by 207 candidates entering an alternative teacher education programme were explored using a semi-structured questionnaire covering background characteristics and four themes concerning teaching and learning. A limited number of distinct conceptions could be identified and related to respondents' background characteristics. After the first semester of the programme, three patterns of development were found in a subset of 70 participants: growth, consolidation and regression. Pedagogical implications for fostering growth in second-career teachers are discussed.

► Second-career teachers' conceptions of learning and teaching are multi-faceted.
► Four significant relationships were found between backgrounds and conceptions.
► Three patterns of development in conceptions were identified.
► A possible connection between these patterns and employment after ACP was found.