In teaching mathematics to preservice elementary teachers, the author presents classroom incidents for which each student must write what he or she would do in the situation. The write-ups are then discussed in small groups. This technique seems to help students apply the mathematics they are learning to the classroom. (SD)

This bibliographic essay cites general readings in curriculum evaluation for elementary and secondary teachers. The first part of the essay discusses general perspectives on evaluation. Readings on selecting an evaluation strategy or plan are cited in the second part. The essay concludes with citations dealing with how to consider the data.…

Describes the study of a site-based, 6-credit hour, integrated course in reading and language arts methods designed to tie theory and practice for university students in a Professional Development School (PDS). Demonstrates that the collaboratively taught course had a positive impact upon involved teachers, university students, children in the…

Describes the development of a seamless curriculum of four methods courses--literacy, math, social studies, and science--within a transdisciplinary framework, defining transdisciplinary teaching and learning as a context and conveyor for knowledge influenced by the synergy between learners and teachers, which embraces collaboration,…

Explores the extent to which a reflective approach to English-as-a-Foreign/Language teacher training is suitable for teaching undergraduate students a course in methodology at the University of Alcala in Spain. (Author/VWL)

This study is an ex post facto story of critical decisions in which an instructor improved instructional practice and his students (n=104) gained confidence in their ability to make use of a powerful teaching strategy. This action research study concerned improving the quality of a secondary science teaching methods course. (Author/MVL)

Examines current research in the field of educational telecommunications through the lens of the social studies methods course. States that the findings reveal the benefits and drawbacks of using computer mediated communication in methods courses between two universities. Provides recommendations for effective future implementation and includes…

Focuses on using technology in the form of streaming Internet video segments to provide additional instruction in a foreign language/English-as-a-Second-Language (FL/ESL) methods course. Instructors used a digital camcorder to videotape the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, writing, culture, and essential course principles and converted…

This article describes changes being introduced in Norwegian colleges of education regarding the training of English teachers. Traditional divisions (phonetics, language, culture, literature, etc.) are being replaced by a theme-based approach, in which students are obliged to use English and are more actively engaged in the learning process. (IAH)

The findings of a 10-year follow-up study into the preservice preparation of Australian primary teachers to teach reading are presented. Data are provided on the number of hours allocated to studies which are directly concerned with the teaching of reading. (Author/MLW)

Content and methods are outlined for an undergraduate elementary social studies methods course. Course topics include structure of the discipline and its place in the curriculum, selecting concepts and facts to teach, how children reason and the implications for social studies teaching methods, instructional planning and techniques, and…

Assessed is the effectiveness of a science methods program for inservice elementary teachers at a small rural college in terms of participants' concerns and attitudes toward science. (YP)

Complaints have been made that in teacher preparation programs foundations courses are practically irrelevant and methods courses intellectually unchallenging. Prospective teachers should understand that an extensive grounding in the psychological, historical and sociological foundations of education prepares them to make effective decisions on…

Proposes a new approach to reading education that encourages active student participation. Offers three advantages and three potential criticisms of the case method approach, as well as advice on using this approach in undergraduate and graduate courses. (MG)

This article describes the peer and self assessment procedure implemented in the secondary methods classes at Central Michigan University. Students use a data-based assessment instrument to assess videotaped micro-peer-teaching presentations made by themselves and other students. (IAH)