In response to numerous criticisms of technocratic models of social studies curricula this paper describes a critical approach to curriculum design. Major areas of criticism related to knowledge, learning and evaluation, and teaching are explored as they relate to issues of curriculum planning and implementation and a critical approach to…

This paper describes the implementation of a peer-evaluation system in a college-level English methods class. Specifically, a system was developed in which the responsibility for preteaching planning sessions, observation, identification of teaching competencies, and post observation analysis of lessons was shifted to groups of three students…

The textbook is intended for use in college methods classes in business education and is a practical how-to-do-it guide containing many examples, illustrations, and techniques adapted from actual classroom observations and experience providing variety, socialization, discussion, and problem solving in the classroom. The text is based on the…

This study investigated the effects of an interdisciplinary course in inquiry on the self-perceptions of preservice teachers. Sample populations included an experimental group enrolled in an interdisciplinary inquiry course. Control groups comprised students enrolled only in a philosophy course in inquiry, students not enrolled in either course,…

This report begins with a rationale for organizing a mathematics methods course around a laboratory situation. The implementation of one such program is described in detail. Actual in-school work with elementary school children was an integral part of the program. Carefully selected undergraduate mathematics majors were found to be valuable…

As part of a series of studies assessing micro-teaching and video recording in vocational and technical education, this study was designed as a field test of those techniques in inservice vocational teacher education. The two techniques were tested at three sites in New York State and involved the collection of data in terms of teacher…

In order to improve the reading methods course at The University of Texas, a program was designed based on tutorial instruction. At first children were brought into the university classroom, one child for every two tutors. The university students (tutors) became directly involved in teaching reading and in being responsible for children's…

Describes how two college professors showed their undergraduate students how a whole language classroom works. (FL)

Drawing on the examples of a successful classroom teacher who does "what works" and a former student disenchanted with the behavior modification approach to teaching exceptional children, the author encourages teacher instruction in critical thinking and a wide range of teaching theories and methodologies. (JBM)

This paper reports findings in a study of an e-mail discussion activity in an undergraduate methods course. Students were asked to contribute an e-mail message to the class discussion at least once every two weeks; they could write on any topic suggested by their field experiences or related class discussions and readings. Critical interpretative…

The views and actions of five preservice teachers who taught reading in a special practicum (with no cooperating teachers) were studied to determine how that experience affected the views they espoused after taking a methods course in reading. The student teachers' views did change; researchers suggest that reading methods courses be integrated…

Describes teacher education courses that can serve as models for integrating technology into preservice education. Stresses the importance of learning about technology with technology, an approach that has been integrated into preservice social studies methods classes at the University of New Mexico. Discusses computer discourse and classroom…

This study investigated the ways in which preservice teachers' (N=30) images of lessons changed as they received instruction and practice using particular models of teaching. Findings highlight how knowledge and experience contributed differentially to the shifts over time in the preservice teachers' observation of a lesson. (IAH)

Key features of an intensive one-semester clinical program for preservice teachers are: (1) concurrent methods courses and fieldwork (student teaching); (2) dual roles (instructor and fieldwork supervisor) for core faculty; (3) teaming of core faculty; (4) peer group support--because students are placed in clusters of 3-10 at a school. (IAH)