Review study and explorative research on masters in primary education

The debate on whether or not to train masters specifically for primary education has so far had little empirical support, both in Flanders and elsewhere. This study investigated this issue on the basis of three research questions:

1. What are the theoretical arguments on the one hand and the empirical evidence on the other for training masters in primary education?
2. To what extent and in what ways are masters in basic education being trained and employed in Europe?
   • What courses and training paths are common?
   • In what status are masters employed (assignment, remuneration)?
3. How do school actors evaluate the employment of master primary teachers in their schools?
   • What are the (perceived) benefits for pupils, teachers and schools?
   • What are the (perceived) disadvantages for pupils, teachers and schools?
   • What conditions are considered necessary for masters in primary education to add value to pupils, teachers and schools?

The first research question is answered through a review study (sub-study 1). An exploratory study was designed to answer the second and third research questions (substudy 2).

The studies were commissioned by the Education Research Support Centre, in collaboration with Dr Charlotte Struyve and Prof Bieke De Fraine. Consult the websites below for more information:

1. Steunpunt Onderwijs Onderzoek: http://steunpuntsono.be/portfolio/reviewstudie-en-exploratief-onderzoek-naar-masters-basisonderwijs/
2. Overview page of the Ministry of Education and Training: https://data-onderwijs.vlaanderen.be/onderwijsonderzoek/?nr=981