Examines the needs and direction of skills of 40 early childhood teachers. Educators in preschool education settings were interviewed and given a questionnaire with 24 items that addressed skill areas of the preservice teacher. A variety of skill areas were identified as extremely important. (RJC)

Abstracts of selected 1986 doctoral dissertations in supervision are provided in five categories: clinical supervision, attitudes and perceptions, skill analysis, international applications, and miscellaneous. (TE)

A survey of library school cataloging educators and practitioners indicated that entry-level catalogers may not be sufficiently prepared for their first professional positions, and supported expanded graduate programs and advanced courses and practicums that utilize practitioners for instruction. Tables display survey responses in rank order. (JKP)

Two aspects of optometric preceptorships (off-campus field experience supervision programs) are discussed: the process of defining goals (long-term, specific learning, and general attitudinal and value); and the process of developing the program (initiation, site selection, preceptor selection and recruitment, participant selection, program…

The University of Alberta is placing student teachers in the rural schools of Fort Vermilion School Division in northern Alberta. The division provides funds for student teachers' living expenses and receives training for cooperating teachers and the benefit of a potential supply of future teachers. (SV)

Notes that the practicum course helps students navigate the transition from theory to practice. Describes the author's experience with this program over two semesters noting the improvements made for the second semester. Presents data from student surveys regarding effectiveness of the practicum course. (SG )

Discussion of learning materials and the acquisition of skills in the Dutch Open University focuses on the instructional design of an advanced course on expert systems that includes a practical element for acquiring required skills via CD-audio. Situated learning is also discussed. (LRW)

Investigates the effectiveness of different types of supervision (large group, small group, combined group, individual supervision) with counseling students (N=64). Analyses revealed that all supervision formats resulted in similar progress in counselor effectiveness and counselor development. Participants voiced a preference for individual…

During the practicum, the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher is socialized into all aspects of the teaching profession, both inside and outside the classroom. This case study focuses on one trainee ESL teacher during his teaching practicum and discusses problems he encountered, including unclear lines of communication and a weak support…

Prepracticum service-learning is an integral part of the curriculum for counselor education students at a large southwestern university. Service-learning is accomplished by placing novice students in school or community agency settings to acquire early, practical, field-based experience. Activities are more structured and supervised than in an…

This article draws from the professional literature of two distinct domains of research: computer-based electronic learning and professional development in education. The present paper addresses the recently recognized need for new conceptualizations of teaching in both fields. Questions and dilemmas pertaining to collaborative learning and…

The movement toward inclusion has made educating and caring for children with disabilities an increasingly critical part of the early education teacher's role. The goal of this paper is to describe the extent to which early childhood teacher preparation programs are including early childhood special education/early intervention content and…

This paper focuses on partnership between pairs of students in early childhood education during a teaching practicum in preschools and kindergartens. One hundred students enrolled in early childhood pre-service teacher education programs at a large metropolitan Australian university were paired and placed in kindergartens and preschools with host…

During the coming years the need for professionals to work with the nation's elders will increase several fold. This will place a great responsibility on university educational programs to prepare enough qualified future professionals to work in the greatly expanding field of gerontology. Prior research has identified several nonacademic and…

This study investigates how four prospective teachers interpret and use textbooks while learning to teach mathematics during university coursework and practicum teaching. Results indicate that prospective teachers had varied approaches to using textbooks ranging from adherence, elaboration, and creation. Factors influencing how they engaged with…