In this semester-long, phenomenological case study the author investigated graduate education majors' development of relational care (i.e., dispositions of concern, sensitivity, attention, and commitment to students and their needs) as they engaged in service-learning tutoring connected to a required writing methods course. The author wanted to…

This 9-month intrinsic case study followed 2 preservice teachers as they learned to teach literacy in 2 consecutive, field-based methods courses. Analysis of data from surveys, dialogue journals, observations, conversations, e-mail notes, and telephone conversations showed a recursive yet distinct hierarchical progression in the preservice…

Describes a workshop on phonics for preservice teachers developed by a staunch whole language literacy teacher. Notes that evaluations by participants were mixed at best. (RS)

Study examined the relationship between future teachers' reflections and growth in their teaching abilities in an early field placement. Analysis of data gathered over one semester from reflective journals and multiple observations indicated teacher preparation programs should foster reflective thinking as an important facet of growth in teaching…

As part of course requirements twenty-eight preservice teachers in a field-based content reading course created a series of self-portraits that illustrated their concerns and perceptions about teaching content reading. They accompanied their drawings with dialogue. Analysis of the portraits indicates that arts-based techniques have the potential…

This study of student teachers' reflective abilities defines reflecting about teaching as the capability and willingness of prospective teachers to question and critically analyze their teaching and teaching experiences. In discussing differences between student teachers in psychological and personal dimensions, the characteristics examined were:…

Explores the linguistic rationale for using children's literature and other authentic texts in literacy instruction. Describes some aspects of one literature-based approach in a field-based preservice teacher-education program. (SR)

Analyzes the case narratives of preservice teachers about linking the visual arts with literacy education. States that 11 themes were uncovered by examining the case narratives. Presents excerpts from four narratives and addresses the implications for both teacher education and the elementary school curriculum. (CMK)

This paper describes challenges associated with preparing preservice teachers in the 21st century to accept responsibility for devising and presenting lessons that link reading and writing with multiple sign and symbol systems, such as drama, musical composing, film, visual art, and computer technology. It proposes the portal school concept as a…

This case study looked at one preservice teacher during field experiences prior to her student teaching as she addressed the complexities of supporting the literacy learning of students in a class for students with learning disabilities and in a regular class setting. The preservice teachers' lessons emphasized multiple literacies. Data were…

This paper describes a teacher education program at the University of Southern Mississippi, Long Beach designed to prepare future teachers for diversity so they can successfully meet the challenges of educating all students in the 21st century. The program provides significant and varied opportunities for education majors to develop appreciation…

In order to determine preservice teachers' reflective thinking and concerns as they addressed the complexities of supporting and augmenting their students' literacy instruction through computer activities, a systematic qualitative inquiry was conducted. The study was conducted in three schools within the same school district in south Mississippi.…

This qualitative inquiry examines preservice teachers' cases describing their reflective thinking, hopes, concerns, problems, and achievements as they address the complexities of devising and offering literacy-based arts lessons to students in two urban elementary schools. The researchers examined and categorized 203 teaching cases written by 8…

This phenomenological inquiry looked at 28 preservice teachers as they participated in a field-based curricula restructuring initiative that connected the disciplines of creative arts, science, and reading. The preservice teachers offered weekly interdisciplinary lessons to kindergarten and first grade students. A survey, teaching cases, and a…

Prospective teachers in early field placements may gradually develop more mature concerns for pupils if they are given opportunities to reflect upon classroom experience. This study provides information concerning a reflective inquiry model compatible with early field placement. Participants were 12 student teachers engaged in classroom teaching…