This paper reports findings in a study of an e-mail discussion activity in an undergraduate methods course. Students were asked to contribute an e-mail message to the class discussion at least once every two weeks; they could write on any topic suggested by their field experiences or related class discussions and readings. Critical interpretative…

Examines value of higher education field studies. Describes agricultural field programs in California and Sri Lanka, examining relationship of classroom work to field work. Details students' reflections. Emphasizes experiential learning as valuable for both student and teacher. Concludes field work fosters realistic, meaningful interpretations of…

The proportion of time that teacher candidates in field-experience programs spent on eight types of classroom tasks was examined for two field-experience programs that differed in constancy of placement. In both programs, teacher candidates spent most of their time on clerical tasks and little time on whole-class teaching (their most valued task).…

A study examined the developmental practicum experiences of five second-year graduate students in deaf education. Results indicated participants' experiences evolved through five stages: frustration, classroom engagement, emerging pupil knowledge, curriculum adaptation, and enthusiasm and positive attitude. Implications for practicum placement of…

Like student teaching, early field experiences are a universal feature of teacher preparation. These experiences are intended to serve several purposes. They provide teacher candidates with opportunities for career exploration, bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice, meet state licensing requirements, and, like student teaching,…

Fifty-seven elementary education students enrolled in methods courses were asked to respond to an open-ended questionnaire to identify what knowledge and skills had been learned as a result of participating in field experiences required in the courses. Students provided 516 individual statements, with 245 being knowledge statements, which included…

A program using cultural anthropology and ethnographic techniques to prepare teachers for positions in the small elementary and secondary schools characteristic of the mountain west and high plains is presented. As part of this program, a freshman level education requirement introduces students to the special character and positive aspects of…

Four-hour internships have been a requirement for nonteaching geography majors at Illinois State University (Normal) since 1987. A 2-hour pre-internship seminar, taught every spring, is also required. In this course, students learn of internship possibilities; develop resumes and cover letters; participate in a video-taped mock interview; receive…

The Rural Clinical Nurse Placement Center (RCNP) was begun in Chico, California, in 1975 to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a model of a rural internship program in an effort to attract nurses to rural communities. Run by a director, clinical coordinator, full-time secretary, and half-time typist, the program places BS/RN degree…

The purpose of a project at the University of Oregon was to explore principles and procedures for experiential learning programs. Experiential learning in this instance refers to both prior learning and field experience. Considerable attention is paid to the Lila Acheson Wallace School of Community Service and Public Affairs within the university.…

The major components of the Teacher Education Center Project at the University of Hawaii in Manoa are preservice, inservice, and community. The preservice component includes a team of nine interns who participate in a rigorous, field-based program designed to provide them with extensive experiences in the school, classroom, and community.…

Planning techniques described help students mesh their individual interests, values, and skills with a proposed internship, work/study, or volunteer experience through the application process itself. The application is valuable in clarifying needs and goals for the experiential project. (Author/LBH)

A study compared performance on the Area Concentration Achievement Test in Social Work (ACAT) of 32 undergraduates who had nearly completed a field practicum and 38 who had not begun it. Results showed no difference in the groups' knowledge of social work professional foundation overall or in individual content areas. Other variables that could…

Many colleges and universities have developed internships to offer students work experience in the fields of fitness and exercise. The article identifies typical problems that occur in internships and proposes feasible solutions. Problems occur in four areas: intern academic preparation, intern accountability, supervisor's skills, and…

This practicum report describes an intervention to improve the quality of college students' experiences during their placement in a child care center as part of an introductory course in early childhood education. As a result of the intervention, 12 outcomes were expected. These outcomes were divided into 21 standards of achievement. Of these, 7…