Describes a pilot project with 11 undergraduate preservice teachers who taught technology-based lessons in elementary school classrooms. Participants indicated that teaching technology was a good way to learn how theory is applied in practice, and field experience enhanced their knowledge. (AEF)

This article examines issues that were critical for eight preservice teachers learning to teach mathematics and social studies in the context of reform-minded methods classes. The issues include: (1) the impact of their prior knowledge and experience in the development of content-specific pedagogical knowledge; (2) their conceptions of mathematics…

This study examined changes in novice teachers' feelings of self-efficacy (the belief that he or she can be successful in affecting student performance) and their beliefs about teaching as they completed a clinical experience in their teacher education program. It also attempted to identify factors which influenced these changes and to examine…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the field experience component of an undergraduate science methods course for preservice elementary school teachers was effective in: (1) shifting student concerns about science teaching from concerns about themselves to concerns about the impact of inquiry-oriented science programs on pupils;…

In the 60's in response to the social studies curriculum reform movement two demands on the training of elementary school teachers were evident: (1) more instruction in the parent social sciences, and (2) more pointed attention to the development of inquiry processes in the various fields. In response, the University of Georgia initiated a double…

This publication, part of supplementary materials for a National Council for the Social Studies Conference paper described in SO 003 075, characterizes and offers evaluations on the Wingspread Project. A number of school exchange programs for varying age groups of suburban and urban young people from diverse backgrounds emphasizes a sense of…

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…

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)

This study investigated how undergraduate students make meaning from instances of cultural conflict within juvenile novels. Student logs, discussion groups, postwriting, and classroom observations indicated that the case method had strengths and weaknesses, but overall, it encouraged reflection on critical issues. (SM)

Compares the impact of two types of early field experiences on prospective teachers' attitudes, beliefs, and dialect-speaking elementary school children. Assesses student teachers' perceived helpfulness of field-based experiences, theoretical orientation for reading instruction, and attitudes toward dialect speakers. Advocates an immersion-type…

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…

Investigated elementary preservice teachers' perceptions of a 1-week international teaching experience. Students traveled to Mexico to teach in a bilingual school and tour cultural and historical sites. Data from pre- and post questionnaires and interviews and a 1-year followup indicated lasting positive effects of this experience, in which they…

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…

The expansion of field-based preparation for teachers in recent years has been driven by several factors. The satisfaction of university students and instructors participating in site-based instruction and the encouragement of local schools seeking reform themselves have refueled this expansion. In a site-based course, preservice teachers provide…

The first section of this report describes the rationale and objectives of the Research Utilization in Elementary Teacher Education (RUETE) study which developed techniques for exposing student teachers to current research on effective instruction and effective schools. The progressive phases of the RUETE study are outlined and discussed. The…