This article presents findings from the longitudinal study, Research about Teacher Education (RATE). The data presented represents the perceptions of faculty (N=250) and students (N=1130-1140) in elementary teacher education about several programatic aspects of teacher preparation including curriculum, conceptions of teaching, faculty instruction,…

This article describes the design, development, and outcomes of a curriculum module entitled, "The Teaching Biography of (Student Name)." This student-centered methods-practicum course was designed to foster reflection and individual and group inquiry into both the ends and means of education. (IAH)

Finds that, among 40 teachers enrolled in a special education methods course, there were no differences in learning performance between on-campus students and distance learners reached by two-way interactive television, but the remote group gave lower course evaluations, particularly in the area of provision of feedback. (SV)

Describes a course on alternative conceptions in physics that has been used with preservice students as well as with inservice teachers in Indonesia. Most preservice students progress in mastery of high school level concepts, however, the length of the effects are not known. (LZ)

This report describes successful programs abroad that use foreign languages in courses on foreign-language teaching methodology and that enable participants to experience first hand the language and culture of the language. (Contains six references.) (Author/LB)

Suggests that one of the biggest flaws with current teacher education programs is that the prospective teachers do not interact with the students in the role of instructor until their last semester. Argues that preservice teachers need to be equipped with the proper tools--realistic assignments, opportunities for student/teacher interaction,…

Surveys of perceptions and attitudes of preservice elementary science teachers regarding their use of telecommunications indicated that they perceived networks as useful tools for enhancing teacher training programs and for supporting their work in the schools. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

Results of a study of the curricular content of the foreign language (FL) methods course are presented, based on 157 FL methods course syllabi from 144 colleges and universities. Course goals, instructional materials, content, requirements, and evaluation systems were examined. Areas in need of further development are identified. (50 references)…

The Integrated Methods Model incorporates the entire conceptual framework for an effective secondary preservice teacher program as suggested by research. The model results in a subtle but important shift in the focus of secondary preservice teachers. It is relatively easy to implement, economically feasible, and adaptable to various conditions.…

Surveys elementary reading educators to discover their preferred theoretical perspective and the instructional strategies used by them to teach reading methods courses. Finds that reading faculty who reported a whole-language preference also reported using more teaching strategies that increased learner involvement. (SR)

Examines preservice teachers' definitions of reading at the beginning and end of an introductory methods course in English language arts. Finds that, at the beginning of the course, 85% of the preservice teachers characterized the process of reading as a decoding task, while only 42% maintained that characterization by the end of the course. (RS)

Comments on Reba Page's methods of teaching about interpretive research methodologies. Points to four potential problems: (1) students have little knowledge of underlying epistemological debates; (2) students are unaware of broader "conversations" between texts; (3) students have read little qualitative research; and (4) students must learn to…

Describes how a team of college instructors framed a humanities methods course within the concept of classroom community-building to address issues relevant to preservice teachers in such areas as moral commitment, professionalism, caring, and concern, providing examples of how the community was built, discussing strengths and limitations of that…

Investigated preservice teachers' beliefs, definitions, and uses of student and professional portfolios. Surveys of preservice teachers conducted at two times during their training provided data on how their perspectives, methods-course experiences, and field experience contributed to their beliefs and practices surrounding portfolio development…

Reports the results of three similar case studies of preservice teachers enrolled in literacy methods courses. Describes preservice teacher beliefs about literacy through the use of multiple data sources before, during, and after the course. Supports a field-based model of teacher education for development of a complex view of the process of…