This description of the model used to teach instructional development to teachers at the University of Kentucky includes strategies and approaches used in the course; exercises, projects, and activities used in the class; and copies of forms and handouts used by the class. Alternative teaching materials, primarily textbooks, are also described.…

Describes how students in a general secondary methods course responded to a gender-neutral exam question by consistently assuming that the student in the hypothetical scenario was male. Describes the follow-up class discussion, noting students' assumptions, defensive responses, subconscious decision making, and awareness/nonawareness of their own…

Describes and evaluates an elementary science methods course in which the nature of science and scientific inquiry are embedded and explicitly taught. As a result of the course, incoming conceptions of science as primarily a body of knowledge changed to a more appropriate, blended view of science as a body of knowledge generated through the active…

This paper discusses an emerging unification theory of multiculturalism and global education called "transcultural universalism." The paper considers a "universal citizenship profile," of what it consists, and how it is formed. The paper asks four questions: (1) What key citizenship characteristics are essential for today's…

A study examined an initial effort to restructure the content, format, and instruction of a preservice literacy methods course and the effect it had on 13 preservice teachers relative to their movement toward reflective inquiry and practice in literacy teaching. Data were collected from the preservice teachers using questionnaires, journals,…

To prepare preservice teachers to implement performance-based assessment in their eventual classrooms and to give them experience in developing their own academic portfolios, some teacher educators are moving toward the portfolio method for assessing their preservice teachers in methods courses. A study evaluated the nature of preservice teachers'…

An adaptation of the dialog journal technique, used for teacher training purposes, is described. The journals were used as medium of communication between novice teachers of English as a second language and their supervisors in a field practicum course. Journals were studied to quantify the types of student comments made, and to track the changes…

The views and actions of five preservice teachers who taught reading in a special practicum (with no cooperating teachers) were studied to determine how that experience affected the views they espoused after taking a methods course in reading. The student teachers' views did change; researchers suggest that reading methods courses be integrated…

Describes a project designed to enhance the technological ability of university students enrolled in an early literacy course. Models the use of technology as a tool for literacy instruction in hopes that these teachers and future teachers would become more familiar with technology and use it when teaching their early childhood students to read.…

Analyzes demographic data about secondary science methods faculty regarding the faculty member's professional preparation, content of the methods course, secondary teaching experience, and information about the individual. Some implications for teacher education are included. (YP)

Describes efforts to infuse an international perspective into Clarion University of Pennsylvania's social studies methods course. Reports results of a pretest indicating poor knowledge of and interest in social studies among education majors. Discusses course activities, materials, and requirements. Concludes that knowledge and interest in global…

Reports on a study of teacher education programs for science teachers in New England. Focuses on data regarding the amount and types of science content and secondary science methods courses, program emphasis in science content, science processes and methods, science teaching techniques, and effectiveness of science preparation. (TW)

A study investigated the efficacy of a model for training teacher education students in a mathematics methods class. Findings indicated that the model was valid for the settings in which it was applied. Although improvement was expected to occur in the achievement of pupils who were taught using materials prepared in the methods class, no…

Design and implementation of two courses that will better prepare teachers to teach science in the elementary school are described. An interdisciplinary course in chemistry and biology and a companion science methods course were developed and taught by faculty members from the biology, chemistry, and education departments of Rollins College. An…

Students in a language arts methods class work in learning teams in literature circles. They read novels, keep journals, and use a variety of strategies in exploring the novels and relating the authors' work and ideas to their own lives. Occasionally, the group is asked to develop questions which they would like to ask the author. Invariably,…