This paper reports on a study investigating the beliefs of general education faculty, including their assumptions about "typical" undergraduates' approaches to reasoning. The article maintains that in studies designed to identify and examine variables affecting complex cognitive tasks, researchers have discovered that performance often depends on…

Brigham Young University (Utah) is developing a program to improve reflective thinking skills in preservice students. The beginning professional course includes the following reflective teaching components: (1) instruction on the theory and process of reflection; (2) participation in selected microteaching episodes; (3) reflecting on the classroom…

The practices of Reconstructive Reflective Teaching as discussed in the works of Schon, Smyth, and others can provide sound staff development for teachers at all grade levels, kindergarten through college. This review of the literature on the topic provides a definition and a detailed explanation of the assumptions, preconditions, and processes of…

In the spring of 1979, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate the possible effects on preservice teachers of Reflective Teaching, a new instructional alternative for teacher education that features peer teaching and evaluation. One of the hypotheses about Reflective Teaching stated that, as a result of engaging in Reflective Teaching,…

This guide creates a step-by-step sequence of practical techniques, based on research on successful teaching and grounded in real-life examples, that guide teachers toward an effective action plan for successful teaching and classroom management. The manual's suggestions give teachers the skills and tactics necessary to manage, control, and enrich…

This document proposes that preservice teachers assess various learning philosophies to find methods that may be useful in teaching at the higher education level. In the first section of the paper ten broad principles of teaching are cited: developing and maintaining student interest; motivating learners; providing useful learning opportunities;…

Sixth-grade teachers from diverse content areas and specialized fields came together as teacher-researchers to infuse principles of literacy/language learning across the curriculum, targeting low-achieving students. Through reflective inquiry, they gained insights into new strategies as they revised their roles from content area teachers to…

A teacher educator developed contexts in which White, middle class prospective teachers told each other teaching stories during weekly seminars. The goal was to consider alternative ways of thinking about and behaving toward diverse students. The experience enhanced participants' understanding of themselves and the strengths and limitations of…

Describes changes in the perspectives and practices of two teacher educators as a result of a series of action research projects conducted over a six-year period in an elementary education course. The studies focused on reflection, student learning, reading and writing instruction, and course impact. (SM)

Suggests that documentation can help teachers: (1) better respond to demands for accountability; (2) teach through direct, first-hand interactive experiences that enhance brain development; (3) be more effective; (4) meet special needs; and (5) help children perceive learning to be important and worthwhile. Describes several methods of…

Introduces a case written by two physical education teacher education instructors. Shows how case method directly impacts the teaching/learning process, explains how to facilitate discussions surrounding the case, offers sample student responses and instructor facilitation, and describes use of case teaching to promote reflection. (SM)

Explored efforts, within an action research study of a 3- year Inservice Education and Training (INSET) program, to implement reflective approaches in training unqualified and underqualified elementary teachers in Namibia. Results found that western approaches to teacher reflection could not be used productively with Namibian teachers unless there…

Addresses one of three major challenges facing distance education--its claimed overreliance on behaviorist approaches to teaching and learning. Maintains that distance learning encourages students to review their own learning approaches and to be more proactive about their study methods. (CFR)

Teacher educators can exploit a variety of types of teacher narratives to help develop new and veteran teachers. This paper explains the significance of the second self and details five narrative forms (the narratives of social criticism, apprenticeship, reflective practice, journey, and hope). A final section describes how to use narratives of…

Steps taken by instructional designers in constructing a case study for use in faculty development are outlined, from the original case study idea to selection of an appropriate classroom incident, writing the case, and planning the teaching process (identifying relevant issues, preparing discussion questions, and organizing discussion). The text…