"A Commitment to Teaching: Toward More Efficacious Teacher Preparation" introduces the reader to a collection of thoughtful works by authors that represent current research and thinking about teacher self-efficacy and teacher preparation. It is the intent of the book to provide the reader with current and relevant knowledge concerning…

Effective classroom management is critical in the creation of learning environments that foster academic success for all students. Preservice teachers must develop an awareness and understanding of all aspects of classroom management and their relation to the two main classroom management approaches: the discipline based approach and the…

This study used structured online interviews with teachers to examine the impact that inquiry-based teaching methods had on their students. The research question was the following: What are the effects on student learning and motivation as a result of teachers using problem-based and project-based learning? Interviews were conducted with 36…

This paper analyzed elementary teacher education (hereafter 'TED') programs in the top performing European (TIMSS) countries to help inform future elementary TED policy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodological emphasis revolved around how much emphasis should be placed on general content knowledge (GCK), as opposed to general pedagogical…

This study implemented a qualitative approach to examine the phenomenon of "inquiry-based science pedagogy or inquiry instruction" as it has been experienced by individuals. Data was collected through online open-ended surveys, focus groups, and teacher reported self-reflections to answer the research questions: 1) How do middle level…

It was hypothesized that student teachers supervised with telephone conferencing would be rated as well or better by their cooperating teachers than students supervised with personal meetings with their faculty advisor. It was also hypothesized that pupils who had been taught to read Landsat satellite maps by student teachers supervised by…

Five syntheses of research on teaching are reviewed, with findings relevant to middle level teacher education highlighted. Implications for teacher education are discussed. Topics include preservice field experiences, adolescent student motivation, effective use of class time, effective teaching behavior and student achievement. (IAH)

This article explores the impact of high-stakes gate-keeping assessments (of both K-12 students and new teachers) on teacher development of equitable teaching practices. Drawing from two studies of field experiences in Washington State--one of teacher interns and one of cooperating teachers--findings include that state level policies in response…

This paper describes a project at Indiana University initiated to develop research-based skills associated with instructional clarity in prospective secondary school teachers. The specific courses targeted for the project include an educational psychology course, a general methods course, and four special methods courses. Each course involves a…