When surveyed about a one-way video and two-way audio distance learning system, distance education faculty at Old Dominion University (Virginia) said they liked the personal and professional growth afforded by teaching on television, but disliked the lack of interactivity and other limitations. Faculty involvement in policymaking and integrating…

This study investigated whether 12 professional development school (PDS) teachers changed their perceptions of roles and responsibilities and adjusted their performances to meet this redefinition as a result of participation in an elementary school/university collaborative. Findings suggest that teachers created and maintained three roles:…

Collaborative grant conceptualization and writing gave depth to a school/university partnership that applied for and secured a grant to enhance, through technology, the environmental education program of a local elementary school. The proposal development process is described and critically analyzed. Lessons learned about collaborative planning…

A study involving 114 educators of students with profound and multiple learning difficulties, interviews with 20 head teachers, and observation in four British schools, found student assessment was largely informal, Individualized Education Programs were often lacking in detail, and about one-third of teachers had no special education…

The Learning Methods Unit (LMU) at University of Central England (UCE) has adopted a curriculum-based approach to incorporating learning technology into professional development courses for university staff. The "Problems at Crumpton" web site described in this article uses technology to implement a problem-centered curriculum, enabling…

Describes four inquiry projects used to facilitate undergraduate student teachers' development as inquiring practitioners, examining participants' reactions and products they produced. Data from student teachers' field and interview notes, comments and feedback from panel and poster sessions at a conference, student teacher surveys, student…

Despite the availability of hardware and software, the mathematics staff in a technology-rich secondary school rarely used computers in their teaching. This study investigates reasons for this phenomenon. Findings have implications for professional development related to the integrated use of computers in mathematics teaching. (Contains 43…

Investigated how collaborative action research projects affected five pre-service teachers' professional development while working with on-site teacher educators within a Professional Development School. Data from interviews, conferences, journals, action research, student writings, and field notes indicated that these experiences helped…

Describes how pre-service teachers at one elementary school participate in Grand Rounds (borrowed from the medical profession). Participants observe master teachers demonstrating model lessons and interacting with students. During a debriefing session, student teachers ask questions and discuss their observations with master teachers. Later, they…

Demonstrates how analyzing the evolution of long-term Professional Development School (PDS) problems can serve as indicators of PDS growth, identifying three persistent problems (building trust and relationships between university and school personnel, reconceptualizing existing coursework to fit in the PDS context, and making inquiry a central…

Examines some of the trends affecting library school students today. Discusses distance education; accreditation; certification and credentialing; specialized master's degree programs; reappearance of undergraduate degree programs; special libraries courses; library educators; and continuing education. (AEF)

Shares the insights and experiences of mentor teachers from an elementary-level Professional Development School (PDS), describing the development of the PDS and offering insights about the mentor teacher's role, opportunities, and qualities. Information comes from surveys of and interviews with 11 mentor teachers at the school. A checklist for…

Examines collaborative research and practice-oriented inquiry groups which facilitate the professional development of educators and the enhancement of student achievement within a middle-school Professional Development School (PDS). Small groups of university and school educators conduct action research and inquiry about school-based educational…

Examines the benefits to student teachers, teachers, students, and teacher educators of a 1-year, Masters-level teacher education program that is part of a larger Professional Development School (PDS) partnership between a high school and the University of Louisville. Data come from interviews with individuals from each of these groups within the…

Describes potential contributions of theories of person-environment fit to understanding of the transition from school to work. Provides specific implications for integrating these concepts into school-to-work programs including: students need to spend time in exploration that leads to self-knowledge; programs should teach elements of…