Practicum for international students in teacher education programs: an investigation of three university sites through multisocialisation, interculturalisation and reflection

This chapter explores the practicum experience of international students undertaking education programs at three different universities in Australia. International students were interviewed about their practicum experiences with a particular focus on what worked well and what needed improvement. Through a thematic analysis as well as identifying aspects of the interview data related to multisocialisation, interculturalisation and reflection models the authors share findings even though international students may experience difficulties during their practicum they also note that these experiences allow them to learn. When mentor teachers were able to recognise the international students’ strengths then placements were successful. Further, unpacking areas that need improvement through a supportive manner enabled students to learn and reconstruct their practice. The rich and informative data on the challenges and successful approaches across the three sites in this study add to the body of literature regarding effective ways to improve work placements for international students

The European cultural heritage: community and national legislation for heritage management in the European Union

The aim of this research is the consideration of the cultural heritage policies of European institutions (the European Union and the Council of Europe) and the impact of such policies on the national heritage policy of two member States (Greece and Italy). The analysis focuses mainly on the national and supra-national heritage legislation.The EU by means of policies and laws has gradually emerged as an important factor in the field of national heritage management. The impact of the EU in the fields of heritage terminology and legislation is a fact. New concepts concerning things 'national' are being directly 'imported' from the EU to its member States.The use of heritage in the political arena has a long history in nation States, with regard to issues of identity. By taking this one step further, the EU aims to construct a 'European' identity which will eventually replace the different 'national' ones. A historical narrative proves the logic behind EU action. The cultural heritage has been used by the EU throughout the years for a variety of political and economic purposes. The amendment of national laws and the introduction of EU concepts into national heritage law are results of an imposed change, not of legal evolution. The comparison of the two EU member States emphasises the complexity of issues involved in both the national and supra¬national level. The conclusions aspire to arouse awareness of the powers that EU enjoys over national heritage legislation. The thesis also endeavours to highlight the power of law to create and construct public attitude towards the heritage, enhancing or denying claims for identity. It assesses the political will behind legal acts and policies with regard to the heritage. It addresses the attempt made by European institutions to create 'uniformity' in both laws and concepts related to heritage in a Europe of diverse heritages