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…

Examines the inductive approach to learning, which helps ensure an interactive environment where students use their language processes to learn. Preservice teachers can learn to organize their teaching inductively. Such training should include direct experience with the inductive approach, analysis of the experiences, guided practice, and coaching…

Intended for teacher educators in reading, this paper provides criteria for evaluating texts for reading methods courses. The first part of the paper discusses some considerations in choosing a text, including course format, how frequently the text will be used, and whether the text will be a supplemental, companion, or principal resource. The…

Assesses the overall impact of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign microteaching model as perceived by secondary teacher candidates. Reports that teacher candidates found the model effective for improving their understanding of the different teacher- and learner-centered teaching techniques. (MM)

Describes how selected case examples are used in a mathematics course for prospective elementary teachers to provide a framework for discussing how children construct meaning in mathematics. The article examines the advantages of presenting cases in videodisc format with access to additional information through associated computer databases. (SM)

Design for process analysis in teacher education methods courses helps prospective teachers learn to make decisions and analyze classroom interactions. Model describes specific eight-point procedure to follow in examining college classrooms from students' and observers' perspectives, examining literature on teacher effectiveness, and comparing…

Discusses the need for holistic curriculum development and reflective teaching, examining five persistent myths related to teacher education and noting strategies for refuting them. Challenges excuses for maintaining the status quo in education (lecturing and testing as the normal mode), viewing learning as an interactive process. (SM)

Presents recommendations for teacher educators to prepare students to deal with sex bias in the schools (e.g., teacher educators must model what they teach, prospective teachers must study classroom dynamics to eliminate bias in classroom communication, and methods courses must incorporate research on how bias affects teaching methods). (SM)

Several articles explain the integrated interdisciplinary approach used in Hawaii's PETOM (Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities) program, which prepares educators to teach students of culturally diverse backgrounds. After an overview of PETOM, the articles look at the mathematics, science, art, and social studies modules. (SM)

To improve the teaching of writing in public schools, pre-service teachers should be trained in the theories and practice of composition and rhetoric through new courses in rhetoric, regardless of the teacher's subject area. Although the academic discipline of composition studies is now established, many public school teachers are not familiar…

Presents recommendations for preparation of mathematics faculty at two-year colleges, including discussions of: minimal and standard preparation, continuing formal education, evaluating credentials, mathematical and pedagogical content, and continuing education. Includes an outline for a course in college mathematics teaching, suggesting topics,…

A competency-based methods course for preservice secondary mathematics teachers is described. Ten competencies, or skills, are identified as necessary for the successful teaching of mathematics. Each student either tests out of or works through a series of modules associated with each skill or competency. The objectives may be either knowledge,…

Describes a tutoring practicum that is an integral part of a content area reading course, focusing on tasks for building the capabilities needed in tutoring and techniques for ensuring that those capabilities are used. Cites formal and informal evidence of the practicum's effectiveness. (FL)

Considers the pedagogy of teaching theater to college students who will be secondary school drama teachers, including available instructional materials and lack of methods courses. Calls for creation of a complete pedagogy for secondary school theater. (PA)

Discusses several approaches to creating an effective text, envisioning a specific audience and determining how much detail is appropriate. Provides examples from seventh-grade English classes and a literacy methods course for middle-grade teachers. Considers some broader implications of the framework that educators are beginning to consider as…