This paper offers a synopsis of the findings of a full-length ethnographic study which dealt with the phenomenon of the strong, veteran teacher who has succeeded in remaining enthusiastic over the course of a 30-year career. Subjects were five secondary school teachers of varied ethnic backgrounds representing a range of disciplines and teaching…

In this paper, the general principles and practices adopted as guidelines to a graduate course for secondary mathematics teachers are discussed. It is argued that once the curriculum is designed both to complement the teachers' subject content knowledge and to provide activities promoting links between their conceptual knowledge and their actual…

We describe a large-scale urban school initiative aimed at teachers' professional development with the goal of increasing teachers' mathematics content knowledge and helping them improve their practice. Believing that the formation of professional communities of teachers is crucial in supporting teachers trying to implement changes in their…

Student learning depends on the teacher's actions, which are, in turn, dependent on the teacher's knowledge base--defined here by three components: knowledge of mathematics content, knowledge of student epistemology, and knowledge of pedagogy. The purpose of this study is to construct models for teachers' knowledge base and for their development…

The aim of this paper is to examine a variety of features of research that might account for mixed findings of the relationship between teachers' subject matter knowledge and student achievement based on meta-analytic technique. Of several variables that might contribute to inconsistencies and variations in study findings, three features of…

Civic education conducted in schools plays a significant role in fostering citizenship but teaching about these themes is often incorporated in history or social studies courses and not found in a distinct subject. An essential part of improving civic learning opportunities for students is preparing teachers more adequately for civic-related…

In this study, the development of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) was explored within a group of 12 preservice teachers of chemistry (all M.Sc.) during their 1-year post-graduate teacher education program. The topic in this study concerned a central issue in science teaching, viz., the use of scientific models and modeling activities. A…

This paper describes the rationale for and progress in a substantial research project that aims to develop an understanding of science teachers' pedagogical content knowledge. The background to and purposes for the project are explained. Related projects that study pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) are also described. Approaches to identifying…

This paper poses questions about the pedagogical basis of public speaking courses, based on the issue of traditional course models versus models which are more closely aligned with current rhetorical philosophy. The discussion in the paper centers around the potential integration of current philosophy into teaching practice. It addresses three…

Physical education (PE) teachers need pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) so they can package everything they understand about PE, instruction, students, schools, and communities. The article discusses PCK and its development, describes an integrated PCK model for a tactical approach to games teaching, and offers advice to help teachers develop…

Questions the amount and type of knowledge about instruction expected from individuals graduating from teacher education programs in Germany. Utilizes written surveys and interviews. Suggests that knowledge and ability are not necessarily based on completely separate forms of knowledge. (CAJ)

Uses case studies to explore the pedagogical reasoning ability of second-year preservice primary teachers. Reports that the framework provided in a problem-based science education course enabled the teachers to refine their reasoning ability and to integrate their science knowledge, curriculum knowledge, and knowledge of learners. (Author/JRH)

Presents guideposts for thinking about teaching and teacher education in light of recent research on expertise in teaching, particularly teaching in physical education. The paper critiques the concept of expertise, suggesting the term virtuoso as a more appropriate term for teaching expertly. Implications of the redefinition are presented. (SM)

Describes two kinds of relationships between the professional knowledge and personal practical knowledge of teachers and teacher educators, stating that (1) professional knowledge depends upon individual cognitive structures with the interaction between the two resulting in personal and idiosyncratic knowledge and (2) personal attributes affect…

The role of values in developing pedagogical content knowledge was examined through interviews and classroom observations of four expert high school teachers. Analysis indicated that teachers' value orientations to their subject matter influenced their choice of content, use of the textbook, pedagogical strategies, and perceptions of students'…