The teaching practicum, which is an integral part of any teacher's education, is considered the most crucial and influential stage for student teachers. This study explored the commonalities and differences in teaching practicum programs in three teacher education institutions in Cambodia. Employing a cross-case analysis, the author triangulated…

This study aims to evaluate the English Language Teacher Education practicum offered at a state university in Turkey to discover (1) the strengths and weaknesses of the programme and (2) the needs and problems experienced by student teachers. Data were collected through an adapted version of the Survey of Teacher Education Programs (STEP)…

Recent calls to improve the quality of education in schools have drawn attention to the importance of teachers' preparation for work in classroom settings. Although the practicum has long been the traditional means for pre-service teachers to learn and practice classroom teaching, it does not always offer student teachers the time, safe practice…

This summary report presents program evaluation outcomes for the Practicum component of the Schools Attuned Program. Practicum Sessions build upon the knowledge and skills gained from the Core Course. The three key elements of Practicum include: (1) Building Community; (2) Skill Development; and (3) Extended Learning. The analyses included in this…

An examination of the professional self-concept of student teachers was made during the practicum in a program whose structure seemed likely to minimize its negative effects by providing for gradual transition into teaching, a high level of support from supervisors, and an extended continuous period of teaching. (Author/RK)

Interviews with 32 British and Irish supervisors of U.S. student teachers produced several suggestions for improving the preparation component of overseas practicum placements. Suggestions related to planning and preparation for teaching, basic teacher preparation courses, cultural preparation, content, arrangements and logistics, teacher image…

The major purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of regional/rural placements for student teachers. A secondary purpose was to discern attitude change among student teachers, cooperating teachers, and principals involved in the program. An evaluation was also made of the effectiveness of secondments, personnel…

In a British teacher education program, student science teachers were placed in varied science- and technology-related organizations to explore the relationship between science curriculum and real-world educational needs. Results suggest some modification of curriculum is needed for student teachers to benefit most from these experiences. Concern…

Introduces a series of seven articles that provide different perspectives on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a field-based teacher-education program at Queen's University of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Explains features of the restructured teacher-education program, the aim and character of evaluating the program, and learning from…

Describes the use of focus groups with teacher candidates to evaluate a pilot program within the Queen's University Faculty of Education. The pilot study was designed to uncover problems in implementing the program before candidates registered. After reviewing focus-group techniques, the article describes how they were used in the pilot study's…

Wraps up a series of articles on the work of faculty and students at Queen's University of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, who were involved in restructuring the teacher-preparation program to be a field-based program. Discusses the profundity of the change, the political context for implementation, and the evaluation of the program. (SM)

This study compares the relative performance of Central Washington University student teachers who chose to participate in extended field experiences with that of student teachers who preferred the regular course of study, which featured fewer and later field experiences. The regular course, Option A, was a campus-centered program which included…

Brock University's (Ontario) Faculty of Education developed and conducted two pilot programs that extended teacher education over 2 academic years. This paper reports the results of a study that followed graduate teachers of the extended preparation program into their first professional year. The study explored participants' perceptions of their…

The preservice teacher education practicum described in this practicum paper sought to provide affordable, convenient reading tutorial services for K-8 children. Participants were mentor teachers, preservice teachers, and students from the community. A twilight school was established that provided professional development opportunites for teachers…

Summarizes findings about the pilot program resulting from an exit evaluation survey of teacher candidates in the restructured preservice program at Queen's University of Kingston. Also documents some insights relating to the evaluation of teacher-education programs that were developed by the researchers during the process of gathering and…