MIASU Research Seminar – 11 June – Geoff Hayward

The Challenges of Teacher Education Reform in Mongolia

Geoff Hayward (University of Cambridge)

Mongolian policy makers have set challenging targets for national development up to 2050, with education being a priority area. At the heart of the education reform process is increasing the supply and quality of teachers entering the profession, and this is where I am involved as an advisor to the government. In this talk I will first set the context for the reform process which is taking place against a background of rapid internal migration to urban centres, particularly Ulan Baatar which is placing unprecedented strain on the city's schools. I will outline the current reform process and objectives against a backdrop of previous change efforts that were only partially successful. The challenges of teacher education are then examined and the possibilities for reform in the Mongolian context discussed. Finally, I will reflect on my role as an advisor in the reform process.