Language Arts is an area which covers many subjects, each important, each one interdependent upon the other. Prospective teachers, first and foremost, should have the various language theories reviewed in their methods courses. Practical classroom activities--such as keeping spelling lists, practicing creative writing, and sharing…

A survey of master's level English language teacher trainees in a Chinese university examined prevailing attitudes toward a methodology course and compared them to previous findings. Students were asked to rate course quality and the quantity of various course materials and tasks. The results showed an overall positive reaction to the course, with…

The author suggests ways reading can be integrated with science and describes the reading activities in an elementary science methods course. The activities include: (1) selecting a science tradebook for children to review and for the teacher to analyze vocabulary; (2) helping children review science tradebooks; and (3) encouraging independent…

This study sought to determine how the English methods course is taught in Maryland colleges and to evaluate its effectiveness in preparing undergraduate English majors for their first years of teaching in Maryland schools. Questionnaires were completed by one methods teacher at each of 12 Maryland colleges, by one supervisor of beginning English…

Twelve instructional modules for Project BECOMING were administered to an undergraduate class of elementary education majors as part of their social studies methods course, in order to promote sex blindness, prevent sex-role stereotyping, and develop teachers who were supportive of students trying out new roles. The modules included: Values…

The nature and function of teacher education for prospective language teachers is seen to comprise four main components: (1) academic, (2) theoretical, (3) technical, and (4) practical. Academic courses assure that the future language teacher masters the target language and is familiar with its culture. Theoretical courses on language didactics…

Recent political, social, and economic changes in sub-Saharan Africa have created a new demand for English teaching on a vast scale. The immediate aim of English teaching programs in the French-speaking countries should be to increase the number of national teachers of English who can supply the local school systems. Teacher training programs in…

Using simulations developed by the High School Geography Project and films recording the use of the simulations, teachers learn to: (1) use simulation exercises in class; (2) provide a classroom atmosphere conducive to free interaction and expression among students; (3) analyze simulation in terms of problems considered, alternative choices,…

This report represents efforts by the secondary education team at Indiana University Northwest to reorganize its secondary teacher education program. The new program evolved from the professional roles that the team envisioned for its graduates and the behavioral competencies needed to fulfill these roles. A model was designed to characterize the…

Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services is redesigning its undergraduate teacher education program. The program places volunteer freshmen in real classrooms for long-term observations and volunteer assistance, eventually leading up to a full range of teaching opportunities. Also, coursework is presented in an…

Argues that with a little creativity and some scrounged materials, social studies teachers can construct interesting games and activities. Provides examples of games and a lesson plan teaching responsibility through a group construction. Profiles an instructional materials center that collects and distributes donated materials. (MJP)

Investigated how experienced teacher educators and doctoral students used the Reading Classroom Explorer (RCE) program in literacy methodology courses and how RCE impacted instructors. While the instructors found ways to integrate RCE into their courses to solve teaching dilemmas, doctoral students faced the unique challenges of meaningful…

Introduces a case written by two physical education teacher education instructors. Shows how case method directly impacts the teaching/learning process, explains how to facilitate discussions surrounding the case, offers sample student responses and instructor facilitation, and describes use of case teaching to promote reflection. (SM)

Attempts to determine the type of rehearsal organizational structure used by successful Ohio high school mixed chorus directors. Examines relationships between rehearsal structure and either teaching style or student attitudes. Results imply that music methods courses should offer a variety of rehearsal organizational strategies. (Author/LS)

Presents recommendations for using cooperative learning with preservice elementary and secondary education teachers based on experiences in more than 35 courses. The article describes nine cooperative learning strategies and presents the results of a survey of preservice students' attitudes toward cooperative learning. (SM)