The purpose of this study is to improve attitudes toward learning science and inquiry-based, science teaching through specially designed instruction in a science methods course for preservice teachers. Eighty preservice teachers over two terms elected to complete one of two projects as part of their science methods course. The "Discussions in…

A graduate reading course provided students a hands-on experience in using dialog journals with elementary school children to illustrate the value of integrating writing opportunities into reading programs. Every week of the semester reading methods students read, responded, and returned the journals to the cooperating elementary classes. Only…

Because so many elementary schools are employing whole language instruction, it is essential that graduates from university elementary education programs be prepared to teach in this way. Twenty-five junior and senior elementary education majors enrolled in a block program of 3 courses: reading methods, language arts methods, and a field practicum…

Reforms advocated for elementary school mathematics call for knowledge few teachers possess--knowledge about content, inquiry, and the pedagogical use of mathematical knowledge. As part of a larger study, researchers at the National Center for Research on Teacher Education interviewed methods instructors at a sample of college based preservice…

The question posed in this study was whether university reading methods courses influenced student teachers' instructional choices through a process of reflective judgment. It also examined the students' actual practices as they related to the complexity of their reflections, and whether reflective judgment could be improved by using journal…

This program is the result of efforts made to develop a preparation model for elementary teachers. The science component of the program is referred to as SODIA-Science which is derived from the first letters of descriptive words: Self, Others, Discipline, Implementation, and Associate teaching. These words describe the emphasis at each level of…

To summarize the implemented program, this report makes use of the practice profile. Inputs, processes, and outputs statements are the ideals for the practice profile and are adapted from the outputs stated in the Discrepancy Evaluation Model. The major project components are: (1) "Critical Mass" (which is what is needed before the…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of six research reports related to preservice teacher education and instruction are presented. Aspects addressed in the studies include: (1) teaching strategy analysis models in middle school science education courses; (2) concerns-based adoption model (CBAM): basis for an elementary science methods course; (3)…

An evaluation study was made of a project which developed videocassette learning modules featuring outstanding vocational agriculture teachers illustrating their teaching methods. The two-fold purpose of the study was to determine what teaching characteristics were considered most important by students, and whether viewing the videotapes…

This description of a process used in a social studies methods course presents an experiential approach to helping students learn power sharing and decision-making skills. By leaving students alone with instructions to decide cooperatively on desired class changes, type of evaluation, and leadership, students gain experience in negotiation and…

It is common in teacher education programs to require a course in reading or language arts methods, at least for students preparing to be elementary teachers. The question for teachers of methods courses is how they can best prepare students to be teachers of reading. A common approach to teaching a reading methods class is to provide information,…

The Integrated Secondary Teacher Education Preparation Program (ISTEP) at Wichita State University is designed so that faculty members in different disciplines consistently work with one another in the preparation of teachers. ISTEP is a two-semester sequence. The learning and evaluation aspects of educational psychology and secondary methods are…

The Formative Evaluation and Heuristic Research (FEHR) Practicum, a computer-simulated educational research and evaluation experience, was assessed as a means of improving participants' knowledge and skill in traditional research. Trainee activities include the preparation of preliminary surveys, evaluation proposals, budgets, computer commands,…

TO DETERMINE WHETHER COLLEGE PROFESSORS CAN USE THE CLINICAL PROFESSOR APPROACH IN TEACHING METHODS CLASSES, TWO INSTRUCTORS AT THE STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE IN FREDONIA, NEW YORK, TAUGHT SOCIAL STUDIES EACH DAY TO A SPECIFIC GROUP OF SIXTH GRADE CHILDREN IN THE COLLEGE CAMPUS SCHOOL. THEY CONCURRENTLY TAUGHT A METHODS COURSE IN THE TEACHING OF…

THE TRAINING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHERS HAS FAILED TO KEEP PACE WITH THE CHANGE FROM TRADITIONAL TO MODERN METHODS OF LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION IN THE SCHOOLS. TO MAKE COLLEGE PROFESSORS AWARE OF THE QUALIFICATIONS NOW NECESSARY FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS AND THE NEED TO REDESIGN COLLEGE PROGRAMS, ATTENTION HAS BEEN CALLED TO THE RECENT PROGRESS THE…