An innovative political science program in Fairfax County, Virginia, involves a semester's study of political theory and processes, followed by an optional semester-long internship in which each student works 8 to 10 hours per week with a county, state, or federal government agency and then prepares a report on a contemporary issue related to the…

This study investigated the extent of computer integration in a field experience during preservice teacher education. Surveys indicated preservice teachers neither observed computer use nor used computers instructional tools during the field experience. They reported a willingness to use computers but received no support in the field experience.…

Examination of the workplace as a learning environment reveals it is far from ideal and poses unique challenges to the practicum supervisor, especially when that role is assumed by a workplace supervisor. Specific interests of student and employee may not coincide, and the interests of both diverge from those of organizations and owners. (MSE)

Summarizes findings about the pilot program resulting from an exit evaluation survey of teacher candidates in the restructured preservice program at Queen's University of Kingston. Also documents some insights relating to the evaluation of teacher-education programs that were developed by the researchers during the process of gathering and…

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the teaching concerns of two groups of preservice teachers who were taught language arts methodology through the use of different approaches. A traditional approach (lectures and demonstrations by the professor) was used with one group (n=43) and a field-experience approach (lectures by the…

A program for preservice special education students at William Paterson College (New Jersey) offered participants field experience working with minority and disadvantaged students. Undergraduate students in their sophomore, junior, or senior classes spent one and two hours per week engaged in course assignments with pupils at the school under…

Cognitive apprenticeships have three essential characteristics: (1) they make use of the learner's prior knowledge; (2) they allow that learned procedures for solving problems may be modified in new situations; and (3) they acknowledge that individuals generate their own solution paths, often through a collaborative process. Preservice elementary…

This article describes a teacher education program, "Studies in Educational Alternatives" (S.E.A.), at Mankato State University (Minnesota). The program is committed to personalization and practicum experiences as major components of teacher preparation. The document discusses: (1) program design; (2) admission processes; (3)…

Previous research has emphasized the significant negative correlation between counselor effectiveness and dogmatism, or closemindedness. To reduce levels of dogmatism in counselor trainees, a program was developed and tested at Southwest Texas State University. The new course, "Guidance to Meet the Needs of Multicultural Students," gave counseling…

The Bilingual/Bicultural Teacher Training Program at Mississippi State University was developed specifically to train Choctaw preservice teachers, or teacher aides, and other personnel working in Choctaw schools to work effectively in a bilingual/bicultural program. The program is flexible enough, however, so that other language groups can enter…

The State University of New York at Buffalo and the Maryvale School System cooperated in planning and developing an intensive one-year graduate teacher preparation program that provides the total sequence for certification. A clinical team (consisting of university coordinator, "in school" coordinator appointed by the school, and…

The Teacher Education Access Mode (TEAM) Program, available to juniors entering the Temple University College of Education and majoring in elementary education, exposes students to learning alternatives in meeting the basic goals of teacher education. TEAM is an approach to people, teaching, and learning based on a belief that to teach children…

During a three-month clinical clerkship in medicine 175 medical students were evaluated. A proficiency assessment process was developed that included preceptor evaluation of on-the-job performance as well as oral and written examinations. Data analysis showed small correlations among the three measurements of competence. (Author/LBH)

The University of Texas at Arlington's Education Department has developed a series of supervised prestudent teaching experiences which allow the college student to observe and practice as a teacher aide at school-based sites. This article includes details on two of the school-based secondary certificate courses. (SJL)

Examines the perspectives of 242 education majors on field work and other instructional experiences in teacher preparation. Implications of findings are discussed in terms of student preference for active modes of learning, appreciation of field experience, and the value placed on working with faculty in field work. (SLD)