Data are presented from a study of cooperative learning as a teaching strategy in teacher education courses. Two university methods courses were restructured to incorporate learning teams and interactive practice activities. Results indicated that students who had difficulty mastering specific content performed better with cooperative learning…

This article presents an overview of research on the importance of modeling effective instruction in teacher education programs, argues for a philosophy of student-centered instruction, and presents strategies for incorporating a more student-centered orientation in the methods instruction of preservice secondary teachers. (IAH)

Considers individual and professional assumptions about teaching and discusses the relationship between methods courses and actual student teacher (ST) performance. Transcripts of ST performance from videorecordings are used to analyze behavior of STs and pupils in class and can be used as references in a methods class. (Author/LMO)

Discusses the use of manipulative materials by elementary teachers in preservice and inservice methods courses. Lists nine practical hints. (YP)

Findings are reported from an investigation which assessed the extent to which the supervisory style used by secondary education preservice teacher supervisors during microteaching lessons contributed to the preservice teachers' understanding of various teacher-centered and student-centered teaching strategies. (IAH)

College instructors (N=24) responded to a questionnaire on educational measurement instruction provided to students in preservice teacher education programs. Roughly half the students received measurement and evaluation as separate courses; the rest received them as part of another course. Many students are inadequately prepared for classroom…

Offers a conceptual framework through which to view professional or occupational education, focusing on the influence of current practices within the field, the existing state of knowledge and technology, and social developments and needs. Discusses the history and future of professional preparation in education with respect to these influences.…

The effects of clarity training on preservice teachers' instructional clarity were examined with regard to effects on their ability to produce student learning and satisfaction. Teachers were observed and students interviewed; training was found to help teachers develop more instructional clarity, which facilitated student learning. (SM)

Discusses the use of assessment portfolios and the process of creating a portfolio from the perspective of a teacher educator using portfolios in a methods course and that of a preservice teacher enrolled in the course. (MKR)

Learning to teach is difficult and depends upon the ability of teacher educators to help preservice teachers move from generality to real world specificity. The article describes a model of reflective thinking that was used in a field-based elementary physical education methods course. It discusses the structure of the model, conditions necessary…

Preservice teachers worked in groups containing diverse personalities and participated in laboratory experiences that applied classroom knowledge. Surveys indicated students considered the laboratory activities more valuable and influential than field experiences in many ways. The most diverse cohorts reported stronger, more positive feelings…

Three cooperative learning methods--inquiry task design, two level content study groups, and test review teams--are described. Ways in which to incorporate these teaching techniques in a science methods course are included. The outcomes of using these methods on attendance and observed performance, product development, and performance on midterm…

The results of questionnaires given designed to provide information on the effect of student teaching on the attitudes and career interests of secondary mathematics preservice teachers are presented. The recommendations/suggestions obtained from the questionnaires concerning the secondary mathematics and middle school methods courses and a copy of…

Briefly described is Project Impact, a British project which (1) developed and evaluated a modular diploma for teachers of students with special educational needs; (2) developed and evaluated short courses on special educational needs; and (3) conducted a follow-up study of a course on behavioral methods of teaching students with severe learning…

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed an experimental program, the Extended Elementary Teacher Education Program. This paper describes the effects of one central course, Human Technologies in Teaching, which emphasized collegiality, mentoring, and feedback. Participants believed that the program better prepared students to become successful…