This paper provides a framework for examining the phenomenon of failure in student or practice teaching. The "failed" and "withdrawn" records and files of 25 student teachers over a 10-year period were analyzed. These cases represent the stories of preservice teachers who participated in teacher preparation at a large, regional research university…

This paper examines the preservice teacher-university supervisor relationship within the context of field experiences, with a focus on roles and relationships. After describing typical perceptions associated with the preservice teacher-supervisor relationship, the paper suggests specific ways to enhance the understanding that preservice teachers…

This paper addresses conditions in teacher preparation which increase the chances of student teachers experiencing severe difficulty in their practicum assignments. Focus is on practical and ethical issues, offering suggestions for changing some present programmatic conditions in order to achieve optimal development of beginning teachers. Emphasis…

This study focused on the "failure" experienced by four female novice teachers who were successful in university course work but experienced considerable difficulty in their initial teaching assignments. The difficulties these women encountered are examined through analysis of observation notes, interview transcripts, journals and autobiographical…

Teacher educators must understand how personal histories influence the development of new teachers' pedagogies to influence how personal histories shape conclusions preservice teachers reach during college. The article examines insights gained from personal histories, discusses pedagogical thinking, and explains the impact educators' personal…

Examines an unsuccessful student teaching experience that became a successful learning experience through a reflection and debriefing process. Relates this experience to the stages of a conceptual model of experiential education and emphasizes the need for structured debriefing in preservice teacher education. (SV)

Develops failure indices and analyzes student teacher failure through snapshots of individuals unable to fulfill either their personal and professional expectations and/or those of their teacher preparation program. Research at three university sites found several relevant factors (age and gender distribution, poor interpersonal skills,…

This study focused on four novice teachers' failures. Though only one actually failed student teaching, each considered herself a failure, and all four chose alternate careers. The paper examines difficulties they encountered and identifies alternative patterns of supervision that might have allowed them to do more than survive their initial…

This paper explores the scope of "failure" in the period of practice immediately prior to teacher certification, by examining personal experiences of 25 preservice teachers who "failed" or hovered in failure-like circumstances. Indicators of failure included poor interpersonal skills, lack of primary focus on students, lack of commitment and…

Examines the influence of educational experiences on preservice teachers' images and expectations of self as teacher, noting disillusionments in relation to understanding about the meaning of teaching. The paper explores discrepancies between preservice teachers' expectations and realities of schools, classrooms, and students. Relevant strategies…