Contends that the ability and openness to make informed decisions about future classroom reading programs increases with preservice teachers' personal immersion in a whole language environment. Describes strategies used in reading methods courses that allow students to experience what they may be expected to implement as teachers. (RS)

Argues that instructional activities in teacher education programs can assist preservice teachers in identifying their beliefs. Identifies eight beliefs preservice teachers formulated about reading and literature following one part of a language arts education course in which they designed literature-based learning units. (NH)

Describes the reorganization of teacher education methods courses at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Lists whole language tenets, large group session topics, and sample integrations for prekindergarten through middle school grades. Asserts that the experience demonstrated the benefits of the whole language philosophy. (PRA)

Presents four strategies (journal writing, directed listening-thinking activity, use of big books, and language experience approach) which are components of many whole language classrooms and can be used by teacher educators to model teaching methods beginning teachers can use in their classrooms. (MG)