Social studies methods instructors were asked to describe: (1) their own teaching goals and strategies; and (2) attributes they deemed essential for good teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Survey results indicated that the teacher educators' instructional techniques were limited and that their goals were unrelated to the qualities they…

Describes a journalism education theory and methods class--journalism and public opinion--that was restructured to include instruction in the lecture format, small group discussions, and group projects. (HOD)

A study investigated the efficacy of a model for training teacher education students in a mathematics methods class. Findings indicated that the model was valid for the settings in which it was applied. Although improvement was expected to occur in the achievement of pupils who were taught using materials prepared in the methods class, no…

In lieu of the Curriculum and Instruction course, University of Hawaii education majors may serve as interns at Kailua High School's alternative program, Community Quest (CQ). Interns learn to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum. This article describes the CQ course and presents evaluative comments from some interns. (Author/SJL)

The University of Hawaii's exploratory Observation-Participation Program trains education majors in observing a host teacher and working in a classroom. The author, a host teacher, describes the structure and content of the experience she presented to her trainees, secondary speech-communication majors. (SJL)

The use of hands-on and of nonmanipulative training in process skills are compared to determine the effects on preservice teachers' knowledge of process skills, understanding of science, and attitudes toward science, science teaching and method of instruction. The results show a need for training teachers in process skills using an individualized…

The author presents teacher preparation guidelines for successful implementation of simulated office occupations experience programs. After listing 20 needed skills, she suggests observation of simulations and the business world, work experience, methods courses, and workshops. (MF)

This study examined how electronic mail (e-mail) affected communication and learning among student teachers and between students and instructors, comparing e-mail with more traditional communications. Surveys, interviews, and e-mail messages indicated that e-mail helped students meet course requirements and maintain student-instructor contacts.…

Discusses the need for elementary and secondary school teachers to integrate technology into the classroom and explains the University of Missouri's (Columbia, MO) technology-focused development program, the Technology Learning Cycle (TLC), for faculty who teach undergraduate teacher methods courses. Examines the application of the TLC to two…

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of performance portfolios in a preservice elementary mathematics/science methods class, assessing students' domain-strategic and general-learning strategic knowledge. Results supported performance portfolios as a valid method of assessing desired abilities of preservice teachers that can be…

Describes a model for situating an English-as-a- Second-or-Other-Language (ESOL) methods course in a Spanish speaking community. Organized ESOL classes for children and adults in a Latino neighborhood that serve as a practicum for university students working for ESOL teaching endorsements and as a service learning project in the methods course so…

Describes a teacher exchange program between the University of Cincinnati and a high school where the high school Spanish teacher observed the university foreign-language-methods instructor teaching the Spanish class. Idea sharing was encouraged between the two teachers. (CB)

This article describes efforts to help prospective teachers take a reflective approach to the translation of theory into practice through a practicum experience in a social studies methods course. Also described are the knowledge base and procedures for the course. An assessment of the outcomes is related. (IAH)

Discussion of teacher education and the use of interactive multimedia focuses on two studies conducted at Arizona State University that provided qualitative data on the effectiveness of Teaching Mathematics Methods Using Interactive Videodisc, a prototype developed for an elementary mathematics education methods course. (LRW)

A longitudinal study examined the content and goals of an undergraduate social studies methods course and compared course perspectives to a teacher's perspectives as she progressed through the course, through student teaching, and into beginning teaching. Results highlight many issues related to methods courses and teacher induction. (SM)