Recognizing the multiple interacting layers of pedagogical content knowledge, in this article, we present the findings from a study that examined the extent to which participation in case-based instruction about self-generated visual representations (VRs) supported special education pre-service teachers (N = 25) in enhancing their (a) knowledge of…

Within their teacher preparation courses and field experiences, preservice teachers are introduced to numerous instructional practices, not all of which are considered research-based. For this reason, instruction in how to evaluate the effectiveness of one's practices is essential, but it is often a lacking component of initial certification…

There is limited research about effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting practices that promote family-professional collaboration. One emerging practice, the Facilitated IEP (FIEP) meeting, has recently gained national attention for its team-based approach. In this study, the authors interview 32 FIEP participants about their…

The use of visual representations (VRs) in mathematics is a strongly recommended practice in special education. Although recommended, little is known about special educators' knowledge of and instructional emphasis about VRs. Therefore, in this study, the authors examined special educators' own knowledge of and their instructional emphasis with…

Analysis of responses (N=141) to a survey of teacher educators concerning the Case Method of Instruction (CMI) found that 78% were using or had recently used CMI; CMI was used most frequently in assessment and methods classes. Respondents identified CMI advantages as the application of theory to practice and development of problem-solving skills.…

A study investigated the impact of training and reflective frameworks (concerning effective instruction and problem solving) on reflective patterns of seven preservice special education teachers. Results indicated that the effective teaching frameworks had minimal impact on problem solving. However, direct training and use of a problem-solving…

Student teachers (N=21) in elementary classrooms for mildly handicapped learners were randomly assigned to training and supervision in either databased problem-solving instructional approaches or conventional treatments. Teachers in the databased condition had significantly greater effects on reading achievement and off-task behavior control. No…

No significant differences in academic achievement or problem-solving ability were found when 212 undergraduate and graduate students in an introductory special education course received class lecture alone or class lecture and either a hypertext-based instructional program or a linear drill-practice computer-assisted instructional program.…