The purpose of this systematic literature review was to understand trends in field experiences that were part of early childhood special education (ECSE) teacher preparation activities in the United States. Thirteen studies that included an analysis of ECSE teacher candidates (TCs) completing at least one field experience, including…

This paper examined undergraduate pre-service teachers' perceptions of their expectations, fulfilment of these expectations and the relevance of their coursework for classroom practices during three different practicum attachments. These aspects were assessed using questionnaires implemented at the end of each attachment. One-way ANOVA with…

This article describes how three universities approach middle level teacher preparation through partnerships and clinical experiences. The authors share the structures of their programs and the role of their partnerships in the clinical preparation of their candidates. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by…

The purpose of this study is to investigate how of a group of prospective teachers' beliefs and perceptions about teaching (as a profession) change as they complete a teacher education program offered by the Curriculum and Instruction Department at an Eastern U.S. University. Considering the fact that there is quite a difference between…

Since the 1970s, international fieldwork has provided opportunities for small numbers of pre-service teachers to teach and learn in a culture different from their own. Research into this fieldwork suggests that pre-service teachers are positive about their experiences, although questions remain about the ethics underpinning some of these programs.…

Classroom-based experiences, alternatively known as practica, are an integral component of undergraduate teacher preparation programs, which provide students essential opportunities to apply knowledge in practice. Though much is known about student teaching, much less is known about students' earlier classroom-based experiences. This…

This paper explores the process through which a group of preservice early childhood/early childhood special education students examined their own beliefs about quality teaching and learning within the context of multiple practicum experiences in diverse settings. Students' reflections and actions are illuminated through a careful individual and…

Based on the premise that educational psychology is often taught as theory with few opportunities for practical application, the Student Mini-Learning Exercise (SMiLE) Cards are presented to help students apply educational psychology concepts to field experiences. Components of these SMiLE Cards focus on: identification information; the concept…

A new educational psychology course that combines mastery oriented content learning with direct participation in an elementary school classroom is described. The integration of theoretical-empirical information from psychology with the applied view of education in the classroom is the most important outcome of the new course. A variety of learning…

The purpose of this paper is to assist interested faculty members in designing, developing, and evaluating political internships so as to produce the best learning experience possible. Political internship is a program developed to teach college students about politics and government by exposing them to a "real world" political experience. It can…

The concept of experiential education, defined as learning outside the normal classroom environment that has been planned for prior to the experience, is reviewed. This includes internships, field experience, practicums, and cooperative education. Topics covered deal with the liberal arts, professional training, institutional reform and the…