A growing quantitative literature finds evidence that student teaching placements predict later outcomes of teacher candidates and their students, but there is little large-scale quantitative evidence about the mechanisms for these estimated relationships. We used data from a survey of STEM teachers in Washington State to better understand how…

This research explored the current situation in managing the field experience of a five-year science teacher education program in one university in Thailand. A number of methods were used to assess field experience situation: (1) a questionnaire on the perceptions of pre-service science teachers of field experience management; (2) participant…

This study examined the effects of an extensive inquiry-based field experience on pre service elementary teachers' personal agency beliefs, a composite measure of context beliefs and capability beliefs related to teaching science. The research combined quantitative and qualitative approaches and included an experimental group that utilized the…

Though the importance of including practicum experiences in programs for the preparation of elementary preservice teachers is generally accepted, the nature of these experiences on the development of skills in teaching science can vary greatly. This study compares the effect of variations in field experiences at two institutions, one which…

This study investigated the journey of four Thai pre-service chemistry teachers as they sought to develop their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) throughout a PCK-based chemistry methods course and field experience. In an interpretive case study approach we drew upon classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, chemistry content knowledge…

Presents a contextually situated case study on the critical nature of early field experiences in teacher preparation, describing an exemplary program at California State University, Los Angeles, that focuses on a blended program in preparing secondary school science teachers. The blended option provides access to teacher education for those who…

Examined the effects on preservice science teachers in Ghana of the School Attachment Program, which promoted links between the college and local schools, allowing preservice teachers to practice teaching and develop professional relationships. Responses from participating preservice teachers, practicing teachers, and principals were positive,…

The model Iowa-UPSTEP (Undergraduate Preservice Science Teacher Education Program) practicum series of field experiences at the University of Iowa is described. Participants begin in elementary schools (to change their behaviors away from the traditional teacher-centered science classroom) and progress to full student teaching in a science…

This paper is a personal interpretation of how two half-year daily teaching assignments in grade 12 physics influenced the career of a science teacher educator at Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada). The teacher educator felt that this experience helped him speak to his preservice teachers more realistically and convincingly about the…

Describes the first year of a collaboration between faculty in an urban elementary school and university faculty in a nearby college of education. Partnership efforts to enhance the learning of mathematics and science by students while providing quality field experience for preservice teachers are discussed. (SLD)

This paper describes the Partnership for Excellence in Teacher Education (PETE), which promotes reform in mathematics and science teaching and learning in regard to preparing mathematics and science teachers. One of PETE's goals is to redesign teacher education curricula for selected courses. The PETE collaborative formed a Professional…