Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services is redesigning its undergraduate teacher education program. The program places volunteer freshmen in real classrooms for long-term observations and volunteer assistance, eventually leading up to a full range of teaching opportunities. Also, coursework is presented in an…

A review of educational literature indicates that the term "student teaching" mistakenly has been applied to all professional laboratory experiences for preservice teachers. As a result, these activities have concentrated on the development of practical teaching skills whereas clinical laboratory experiences should encourage inquiry and…

Advocates that geography teachers undertake field studies of human systems with their students. Describes a learning process in which teachers take students to a human system (supermarket, hotel) and guide them through exploration and analysis of the system with the goal of building skills that can transfer to other geographic tasks. (MJP)

Examines the perspectives of 242 education majors on field work and other instructional experiences in teacher preparation. Implications of findings are discussed in terms of student preference for active modes of learning, appreciation of field experience, and the value placed on working with faculty in field work. (SLD)

Results of a study of three classes of preservice teachers at the University of Missouri-St. Louis that taught three different methods of teaching rational-number concepts demonstrate the superiority of an approach using manipulatives. Both teacher understanding and ability to teach to elementary school students in field experience programs were…

A study was made of an early field practicum, in elementary education, which theoretically emphasized quantity and diversity in the students' field experiences and allowed them the opportunity to apply newly acquired curriculum methods and theories. Ten student teachers were intensively interviewed and observed over a six month period. It was…

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…

The concept of experiential education, defined as learning outside the normal classroom environment that has been planned for prior to the experience, is reviewed. This includes internships, field experience, practicums, and cooperative education. Topics covered deal with the liberal arts, professional training, institutional reform and the…

This paper describes how the Internet was used in one preservice teacher education program to enhance field experiences and student teaching. It examines how the professor helped cohorts of field students and student teachers to continue their rich discussions beyond seminars (via online discussions and message boards); how he was able to use…

This guide describes the benefits of and implementation procedures for educator externships, worksite experiences that help teachers improve their teaching. Benefits for teachers, business mentors, and students are described. Teachers become more aware of the changing competencies, skills, and attitudes needed in the workplace, establish links…

This project used Internet technology to build community and reduce isolation during student teaching, improve communication and enhance supervision of student teachers, and encourage reflection. The project supported student teachers by establishing Internet communication between them and their supervisors. This involved providing Internet…

A study examined students' perceptions of what it is that distinguishes effective from ineffective university supervision. Subjects were 83 early childhood education majors enrolled in two field-based reading methods courses offering six weeks of university instruction and four weeks of classroom experience. Students responded to questionnaires…

The value of early field experience in preservice teacher education programs has been debated in the literature on teacher education. While some see little or no value in the practice, others view early field experience programs as a means of improving the self-concept of prospective teachers and as a way of enhancing their acquisition of the…

An effective junior-year student teaching program in elementary education was designed that combines application of theory learned in methods courses with practical school experience. The objective was to prepare education majors for student teaching and to give them an opportunity to evaluate themselves and the prospects of a teaching career.…

A model is presented of a preservice teacher education program (used at Polding College, Sydney, Australia) that consists of three years' academic preparation, and at least one year of classroom teaching experience, followed by one year of full-time study or its equivalent. The school experience is the core of this program and it is integrated…