This paper examines the strategies used, challenges faced and lessons learned in meeting the diverse learning needs of graduate initial certification and graduate certified teachers in the same cross-listed early childhood mathematics class. Questions investigated included "How can instructors best meet the learning needs of diverse candidates in…

The author asserts that it is time for social studies teachers to engage students in a review of the rift between historical reality and mythology about Viet Nam, especially in light of recent comparisons that many have made between the Viet Nam War and the current situation in Iraq. Few teachers dealt with Viet Nam at the time of the war, and…

To become a music teacher, an individual must understand music, learning and teaching, and music learning and teaching. In this article, the author discusses how preservice music education students can formulate these understandings and describes a kind of curriculum that fosters these kinds of understandings. She also considers some ideas that…

The purpose of this article is to propose the use of technology integration in elementary and middle level education courses, specifically, the use of WebQuests as vehicles for the infusion of content knowledge in preservice and in-service education courses. Observation in content area teaching methods courses found that teacher candidates often…

Some students at the master-level viewed research methodology courses negatively. This study investigated six factors that changed attitudes of graduate school students toward research during the course of a semester at a mid-sized university (University X) located in a western state. To facilitate this study, a survey instrument (Student Research…

Considers teaching to be the synthesis of a body of knowledge and the art of presentation. Comments on the American science teacher education process, particularly at the graduate level. (CP)

This paper describes efforts to develop a social studies methods course based on a foundation of critical theory in education. The literature concerning critical theory is discussed. Critical theory focuses on three areas of educational thought: (1) the relationship of school to society; (2) conceptions of knowledge and curriculum; and (3) the…

Recognizing that it can be a challenge to make an undergraduate literature methods course realistic, a methods instructor at a Michigan university has developed three major and several minor activities that have proven effective in preparing pre-student teachers for the "real world" of teaching and, at the same time, have been challenging and…

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK WAS PROPOSED FOR AN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY COURSE IN THE GENERAL METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING. THIS COURSE WOULD TRANSCEND THE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF ANY GIVEN SUBJECT MATTER OR GRADE LEVEL AND SERVE AS THE BASIS FOR DERIVING THE SPECIAL METHODS OF TEACHING THAT WOULD APPLY TO ANY PARTICULAR GRADE LEVEL OR SUBJECT MATTER.…

In language methods courses, there is an attempted integration of the concept of individualized instruction into all of the regular methods class activities. This integration can occur as follows: (1) In teaching language methods, different language learning activities for individual students are considered. (2) In discussing methods for teaching…

The English methods class should become a supportive group which encourages the introduction of real feelings, thoughts, and experiences into the learning process. Once a base of common personal experiences is established, direction can be focused inward through the use of the journal. Journal entries can provide a forum for the expression of…

A major purpose of methods courses should be to provide teachers with methods to put their progressive ideals into practice.

Arguments for microteaching as part of an introductory methods course are presented, and the role of the supervisor in setting up and conducting a microteaching laboratory is explored. (JMF)

Studies at the Curry School of Education (University of Virginia) have demonstrated that microcomputer-based simulations of classroom interactions increase participants' use of appropriate instructional techniques with computer-generated pupils. Performance feedback from the system resulted in significant decreases in inappropriate management…

Defines multicultural education as a transmitter of understandings of all cultures and explains the need for multicultural teacher education programs. Suggests ways to implement multicultural concepts in teacher preparation programs, specifically in readings methods courses, at the college level, the teacher education department level, and the…