Texas A&M University developed a secondary education collaborative model leading to the redesign of the secondary education teacher preservice preparation program. Phase 1 provided for self-directed experiences with adolescents. Phase 2 established an understanding of teaching and schools in modern society. Phase 3 focused on developing skills…

This paper describes teacher professional development through field-based education within the expected standards of the teaching profession, drawing from research and experience with current trends and practices in teacher education and student learning. Today's teachers must be prepared to play a more vital role in diverse 21st-century schools.…

A field-based teacher education program that is designed to educate preservice teachers for careers in urban schools is described. In this program preservice elementary school teachers spend two semesters in the classroom with veteran teachers before the traditional student teacher semester. In the second semester of the program, the preservice…

A collaborative of secondary teachers and administrators, university faculty, and administrators formulated a four-phase, field-based teacher education program that included: providing for self-directed experiences with adolescents; establishing an understanding of teaching and schools in modern society; developing skills to meet the needs of…

Reports on preliminary findings from a study of preservice elementary teachers who had a field experience in social studies education during their enrollment in an elementary social studies methods course. The eight-item questionnaire documented student teachers' reactions to the experience as well as providing additional quantitative data. (MJP)

Describes a project whereby geography students were charged with designing an urban trail (city walk with informational markers) that would accommodate specific groups. Chosen groups included people with physical disabilities, 10-year olds, and those interested in local street art. Discusses the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective objectives of…

Asserts that the nature and components of fieldweek (a week-long field program common to United Kingdom undergraduate geography) are adaptable to current educational changes and needs. These programs emphasize problem solving, real-world experience, and transferable skills. Briefly examines successful programs in Belgium and the Netherlands. (MJP)

Argues that impending and inevitable changes to geography fieldwork can be better understood through an appreciation of the systemic nature of fieldwork. This appreciation can help in integrating changes into fieldwork. Discusses various management system models and approaches. (MJP)

Describes a program involving two universities and a local urban school district in a year-long experience (practicum and student teaching). The program provided additional support to students through coursework, seminars, electronic discussions, and interactive small and whole-group meetings. Results suggest that students needed regular, frequent…

Recounts insights gained from shadowing a student-teacher supervisor at Kenyatta University, Kenya, noting difficulties faced when coping with deficient facilities, insufficient funding and personnel, cultural opposition to education, and classroom management. Provides information on the Kenyan University System and teacher preparation, campus…

A University of Canberra (Australia) internship program in library and information sciences is a 12-month program based on the principles of experiential learning that is seen as successful by students, workplace mentors, and faculty. Processes for matching student and mentor, selecting and preparing mentors, and stimulating reflective practice…

At Birmingham-Southern College (Alabama), the business administration program's senior year capstone course in strategic business management serves three purposes: allows evaluation of the school's academic program; helps assess student capabilities; and allows integration of learning across disciplines. The course occurs during the January…

Florida Atlantic University restructured its undergraduate teacher preparation program to provide a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an English as a Second Language (ESOL) endorsement. The program prepares graduates to meet the needs of ESOL students in regular elementary classrooms. It integrates ESOL competencies into methods…

Part of the practicum curriculum for Children's Studies at Edith Cowan University, Australia, this program gives students field experiences in rural situations, which are especially relevant to the course's ecological approach. Describes some of the unique child care situations found in rural communities, and how students, staff, the university,…

The preparation of music educators involves many facets. Students obtain pedagogical knowledge, understanding, and skill development during the college experience. In addition, preservice music teachers do numerous writing and reading projects as well as peer teaching. One area that tends to be lacking in the preparation before student teaching is…