The author describes the early field experience program at Washburn University designed to help preservice teachers become more reflective, experimental, and empowered as curriculum developers and implementors. (Author/MT)

Critics of Early Field Experience (EFE) for preservice teachers have cited a need for shifting focus away from logistical questions (e.g., quantity of time spent in the field, legal questions, administrative schedules) and toward promoting a critically meaningful educational experience for preservice teachers. This paper describes an EFE at…

Student teachers were observed at their practicum sites and in their university courses to determine the relationship of education courses to field experiences in an elementary education program designed to integrate these two components. The curriculum and nature of instruction found at the practicum sites were highly structured, predetermined,…

A three-part program in elementary teacher education was initiated as an experimental and alternative approach to a traditional teacher education program, and students and faculty members in this elementary education program (EEP) were observed and interviewed during two university quarters (six months). The EEP was organized around three…