Preparation for teaching oral and written language in early childhood teaching programs: diverse approaches and similar dilemmas

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study aimed at analyzing the preparation for teaching oral and written language in Chilean early childhood teaching programs. Based on a mixed method design, the analysis of primary and secondary data focused on the declared discourse within these programs (plans of study, syllabus and head of programs’ understandings). The obtained results show that although this area is of great structural significance in teacher education, this occurs from three different perspectives: disciplinary, critical and pragmatic. Each approach frames structural and process variables that develop the dimensions of practical knowledge for teaching oral and written language, according to their own institutional project. However, all programs face similar restrictions and dilemmas that relate to the lack of resources, the characteristics of students and the particular tensions of our higher education system.