This paper describes efforts to develop a social studies methods course based on a foundation of critical theory in education. The literature concerning critical theory is discussed. Critical theory focuses on three areas of educational thought: (1) the relationship of school to society; (2) conceptions of knowledge and curriculum; and (3) the…

The theory and practice of whole language teaching should be integral and simultaneous components of preservice teacher education. A number of instructional strategies and class activities can be used to provide preservice teachers with experiences similar to experiences they will provide to elementary school children. Examples of class activities…

Contends that research on teaching of social studies methods courses neglects significant topics such as whether or not attitude changes are reflected in teaching methods and the relationship between methods courses and the broader teacher education program. Recommends a broader conception of research. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 11 preservice teachers' beliefs and practices about secondary social studies education. Finds that the preservice teachers held positive conceptions about social studies, stressing active learning techniques and knowledge construction. (ACM)

Reports on a study of 17 undergraduate music education majors to determine whether sequential instructional techniques acquired in a methods course were transferred to a private instructional setting. Finds that students who were told explicitly to use the sequential approach were more successful in applying the acquired skills. (CFR)

Explores the interrelationship of educational research to art. Recommends using art as a part of research methodology. Describes the use of a nineteenth-century painting, "The Knitting Lesson," as a metaphor for incorporating the use of research in preservice art education. (CFR)

This book is based on the premise that, although many professional organizations and the public are concerned about how teachers are prepared for their profession, this concern is not reflected in research about teaching methods classes. By presenting findings about the educational experiences of preservice teachers, the book aims to generate…

Based on the perception that teacher educators deliver preparation programs which have little influence on the way graduates actually teach and that they are completely out of touch with the actual teaching conditions in contemporary schools, a survey was conducted to see what activities teachers felt were most relevant for reading methods classes…

In the master's program in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course at the American University of Cairo (Egypt), student projects linking theory with classroom practice are used as a teacher training technique. The projects allow trainees to synthesize theoretical concepts, learn processes and develop materials they can use in…

Reports on a study of early field experience activities in 22 teacher education programs. Concludes that the goals of most field experiences programs are seldom achieved. Recommends more institutional support and field experience assignments geared to self-reflection and analysis. (CFR)

Discusses a course taken at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) by undergraduates majoring in elementary education. The course attempts to combine theory and practice, emphasizing teaching methods which stress that learners make use of "mental representations" in assembling a working understanding of various components of their…

Examines music terminology acquisition of 71 undergraduate students in an elementary music-methods course. Observes effects of differential training by testing for apparent knowledge transfer in written concert reports. Finds students whose vocabulary lessons were reinforced by listening exercises used music terminology more frequently. (CH)

A professor from the University of Tennessee and a mathematics teacher who formerly taught kindergarten teamed up to plan and teach a kindergarten methods course for undergraduate elementary education majors. The course includes both practical and theoretical perspectives. Course readings consist of selections from textbooks and articles from…

An educator who teaches physics to grade 12 students and a physics curriculum and methods course to preservice teachers analyzes the impact of context on teaching practice. A paper by A. Richert titled "Voice and Power in Teaching and Learning To Teach" is used as the foundation for interpreting the author's experience of teaching…

This paper reports the findings of a year-long study of 11 preservice teachers' perceptions of the first year of a teacher preparation program. These students were interviewed individually at least four times, and reported that learning concrete teaching methods was one of the most valuable aspects of their preparation because these methods could…