The role of cooperative learning in the introductory stages of art teacher training programmes in Japan

In this article the outcomes and issues of cooperative learning in teacher training programmes for undergraduate art students are examined. Cooperative learning utilizes human interaction in small groups in pursuit of shared goals. The author designed and delivered two introductory courses at the University of Tsukuba that were added to the teacher training programme as a result of reforms to the Japanese national teacher education system in 2000. The courses, which were informed by principles and methods of cooperative learning, had a positive impact on student engagement and satisfaction. Although the study workload is heavier since these reforms were put into place there has been a steady increase in numbers of art students entering and finishing teacher training.