Flinders University would increase its role in South Australia’s teacher education if current discussions with the University of Adelaide come to fruition.

The two universities are exploring a collaboration under which students could combine an undergraduate education degree taught by Flinders with a degree from another discipline at University of Adelaide. Students would graduate with a double degree. A pathway from a University of Adelaide Bachelor degree to a Flinders Master of Teaching is also on the agenda.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber, welcomed the discussions which are occurring with the University of Adelaide.

“From its earliest days, Flinders University has been at the forefront of teacher education.  Our education programs are all underpinned by a rich practical learning experience and excellent partnerships with the school sector,” Professor Barber said.

“Research shows that embedding an element of practical teaching from an early stage in university studies makes an enormous difference with graduates being more likely to enjoy a successful career in the classroom and stay in the profession.  This collaboration could definitely help us deliver that outcome,” he said.

“Our experience is that employers, and indeed parents, want to see that well-rounded classroom teacher who has the academic background as well as the mentoring and communications skills that are essential for quality teaching.

Vice-Chancellor of University of Adelaide, Professor Warren Bebbington, said a collaboration with Flinders could help to reduce the duplication in education courses in South Australia at a time when a static school population could mean limited jobs for teachers.

“A double degree across the two universities could enhance the quality of teachers, by combining rigour in a subject area with a broader pedagogical experience than either university could offer alone,”  Professor Bebbington said.

The plan could see new students able to undertake a collaborative program from 2015 .