Exploring models of team teaching in initial foreign/second language teacher education: A study in situated collaboration

The demonstrable potential of team teaching as a productive mechanism for developing collaborative teacher learning is now broadly understood in the field of teacher education. However, there is less evidence of the use of such collaborative teaching as a means of strengthening initial foreign/second language teacher education. This paper reports on the findings of a multiple case study in Chile that explored team teaching in a foreign language teacher education program. The study is illuminated through the lens of cultural historical activity theory framework (CHAT) and draws on the analysis of semi-structured interviews, work shadowing observations and reflections. The outcomes suggest that team teaching provides a space for developmental forms of collaboration that can promote deeper learning among pre-service teachers. The findings support the argument that collaborative practices could be a path for developing and deepening the prospective reflexive practices of pre-service teachers.