Two experiments examined conditions that affect the observer's spontaneous motoric and symbolic mediation, and the relationship between these mediators in an observational learning situation. Subjects were undergraduate students. (CM)

The idea that breaks from experience are necessary and salutary in teacher education is a response to an enduring problem of teacher education: the fact that aspiring teachers come to their preparation with set ideas about teaching, learning, and schooling that fit with the larger ideal and institutional order into which they were born. Typically,…

This study investigated the differential effects of three laboratory experiences on preservice teachers' knowledge of specific teaching behaviors and ability to observe and report teacher behaviors. Results indicated knowledge of teaching behavior was significantly higher for the live telecast observation group than for the interactive video…

Most criticism of teacher preparation programs has been leveled at schools, departments, and colleges of education. However, a case study at one university indicates that faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences deliver 61 percent of the credits in a typical elementary education program, and 74 percent in the secondary program. Because most of…

Two studies of teaching roles used by faculty in baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs are discussed. The first study examined perceived clinical teaching roles identified by nurse faculty members who taught in clinical laboratory settings. Responses from 30 interviews revealed that: (1) The most commonly perceived role was that of…

Teaching skills can be acquired or modified through various processes, including observation, concept acquisition, practice, and feedback. However, evidence does not indicate that combining these processes into a single training methodology provides any advantage for teacher trainees. Teaching also may be influenced by providing information about…

A study was conducted by a researcher who observed the mathematics education class and the field experiences of one preservice student teacher. The teacher educator and the target student were the key participants. The focus of the study was on the transition from student to teacher, and on the initial trials of being a teacher. Insights were…