Thirty preservice teachers enrolled in a field-based science methods course were placed at a public elementary school for coursework and for teaching practice with elementary students. Candidates focused on building conceptual understanding of science content and pedagogical methods through innovative curriculum development and other course…

Determined if student teachers experience role conflict, based on a comparison of cognitions held for selected student teachers' behaviors by members of three school-related social positions. The greatest disparity was over curriculum and planning. (Author)

Presents an analysis of seven studies on field-based Canadian teacher-education programs. Describes conflicting views held by multiple participants and their differing perceptions of course work, field experiences, and beliefs about personal professional competence. Underscores the importance of several factors for creating a strong field-based…

This study investigated the reflective insights preservice secondary teachers constructed about their curriculum and instructional practices during one course and related field experiences, analyzing lesson plans, reflective papers, videotaped lessons, and interviews. Teachers felt responsible for creating environments that facilitated student…

During an eight-week field experience, six preservice teachers designed and facilitated an integrated inquiry unit for fifth graders. During this experience, they investigated their effectiveness in implementing the inquiry approach to teaching based on pupils' learning responses. Reflecting on teaching behaviors through reflective classroom…

Illustrates the nature of postlesson discussions between experienced and novice secondary teachers during an early field experience. Differences in the discussions suggest that the novices experienced significant variations in the substance and quality of field-based activities intended to help them develop teaching competence. (Author/SM)

Student teachers were observed at their practicum sites and in their university courses to determine the relationship of education courses to field experiences in an elementary education program designed to integrate these two components. The curriculum and nature of instruction found at the practicum sites were highly structured, predetermined,…

Based on the conviction that interaction with homeless people can erode negative stereotypes and be a contributing part of a teacher education curriculum, students enrolled in an Early Childhood Education (ECE) course at Kent State University were allowed to substitute an observation of children at a homeless shelter for other course requirements.…

Five exemplary university field experience programs for individuals studying to become teachers were identified and examined in order to develop a model field experience program in teacher education. Programs at the following universities were examined: Ball State University (Indiana), Illinois State University, Millersville University…

Using an end-of-semester evaluation session and two-year paper trail, researchers categorized interactions between school-based faculty, university professors, and preservice teachers in a school-university partnership, examining evidence of three conditions necessary for collaboration. Results suggest a need to understand the nature of…