Student teachers (n=26) and supervising teachers (n=30) responded to a questionnaire that focused on the effectiveness of field experiences. Although findings suggested that many effective practices are sometimes present, several recommendations for improvement emerged, including recommendations to increase multicultural/multilingual components in…

Examined how student teacher/mentor teacher pairs made sense of their roles during a year-long field placement. Data came from observations, group reflection sessions, and dialogue journals. The study showed how the pairs discussed the idea of jumping in as they framed trust and communication as integral components of mentoring in learning to…

The use of constructivism and its various manifestations in education has been a topic of much interest in recent years. Inquiry into this theoretical framework has resulted in teacher educators' attempts to help their teacher candidates apply constructivist pedagogy in university classrooms, field experiences and student teaching at two US…

This is the fourth in a series of four books presenting a variety of field experience program models and philosophies that drive the programs provided to preservice teachers during their undergraduate teacher preparation. This book focuses on critical issues facing teaching education in the future, in particular field experiences. Major themes…

A descriptive study was undertaken to determine students' reactions to and perceptions of required field-based experiences as a component of teacher training. Using a researcher-designed instrument, data were obtained from 140 undergraduate students at the conclusion of their directed teaching semester. The instrument measured five components of…

This paper is a personal interpretation of how two half-year daily teaching assignments in grade 12 physics influenced the career of a science teacher educator at Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada). The teacher educator felt that this experience helped him speak to his preservice teachers more realistically and convincingly about the…

This book is designed to provide an updated and practical reference for classroom supervisors of student teachers. The emphasis is on the interpersonal, cognitive, and instructional process involved in the student teaching experience. In each chapter, options, techniques, and principles are suggested and are often illustrated with case studies.…

This paper describes a recent collaboration between a public university teacher education preparation program, a large urban school district, and a neighboring suburban school district. It highlights the professional experiences of teacher education interns who entered the field from prior professions or training. Candidates were immersed in an…

This study examined whether a sequence of graduate field experiences integrated throughout a teacher training program would result in differentiated responses of competence and self-confidence. Participants were graduate students in a traditional preservice program (group 1) and those in a more accelerated program combining fieldwork with evening…

This study examined the professional self-perceptions and self-esteem of Hong Kong student teachers, investigating the impact of teaching practice. Participants were student teachers in their first or third year of full-time, 3-year courses at 1 of the 4 colleges of education in Hong Kong. A total of 424 student teachers completed a questionnaire…

This study compared preservice teachers' perceptions of their changing philosophies of education, comparing the reports of graduates from traditional, university-based programs with reports of graduates from intensive field-based programs. For eight semesters, teacher education graduates received a program evaluation survey in the mail 2 weeks…

A study on the effects of increased field experiences on the perceptions and performance of 238 secondary school student teachers indicated that an increased number of required field experiences had little impact on student teachers' evaluations of their teaching ability or on supervising teachers' final evaluations of student teachers'…

Using data from a study of two white student teachers in inner city classrooms, the paper analyzes differences in their success through the model of assisted performance (where knowledge is acquired through interaction between more competent and novice individuals in learning situations). Cooperating teachers powerfully influenced student…

This study examined preservice teachers' locus of control, collecting data from students at one university with most practical experience during the final year and one with practical experience integrated throughout four years. Students from the latter university gained greater confidence and knowledge through continuing experience in public…

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)