The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the paired-placement of student teachers in secondary school settings. Would such placements foster the learning and development of student teachers and the learning of their pupils? Participants were 23 student teachers who were placed as partners, their mentor teachers, and a sample of…

Experiences in this research study started in 1991 before many teacher educators were aware of the "?U"? curve hypothesis or predictable stages of culture shock and the recognizable stages used on the path to gaining intercultural competence. This study of student teachers is used here as an illustration of what happens when teachers are…

Compared two models of student teaching (traditional versus peer teaching in which two student teachers worked with one cooperating teacher). Case study data indicated that while peer teaching involved some trade-offs, it had a positive impact on children and offered such advantages to student teachers as increased support, ongoing conversation…

The study examined the influence of learning to teach in pairs on eight first-year teachers. Each participated in an experimental program during student teaching, a peer-teaching model, where two student teachers worked with one mentor. Some worried that the peer-teaching model would not prepare them adequately for the realities of classroom…

This study sought to determine if summer student teaching in year-round elementary schools could provide preservice teachers with a viable alternative to traditional spring and fall programs. Data were collected on student demographics, students' attitudes toward year-round schooling, autobiographical surveys, and students' overall attitudes and…

Examined a partnership and a single-placement model of early field experience, using mentor and preservice teacher interviews, preservice teacher ime logs, and planning session transcripts. All respondents valued their experiences, but those in partnership placements felt better supported and engaged in greater instructional risks within the…

Few studies have explored the work of successful beginning teachers in diverse settings. This investigation follows one promising young, white elementary teacher through her student teaching in the inner city of Washington, D.C. and into her first year of teaching in a suburban, diverse Virginia school. Seven themes articulate her journey into…