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)

Explores the usefulness of the Conceptual Change Model for examining the relationship between the pedagogical experiences provided in a science methods class and preservice elementary teachers' changing concepts about teaching and learning science. A case study format is used to report and discuss findings. (LZ)

A comparative study that accesses the environmental knowledge of in-service classroom teachers (n=166) enrolled in the certification program at Yarmouk indicates the need for coursework in environmental sciences and environmental education. Recommends the integration of an environmental dimension into the general methodology course and subject…

Three modules on chemical equilibrium, developed as resource materials for a content-methodology course in chemistry for intending teachers and also for general chemistry courses at the senior secondary and tertiary levels, are described. The use of these modules in a methodology course showed a significant development of competence in the…

Design and implementation of two courses that will better prepare teachers to teach science in the elementary school are described. An interdisciplinary course in chemistry and biology and a companion science methods course were developed and taught by faculty members from the biology, chemistry, and education departments of Rollins College. An…

Describes the use of the reading reaction sheet as a strategy to help methods students construct meaning about science teaching and learning. This strategy illustrates the integration of reading, writing, and science education and its application to classroom practice. (PR)

Describes problems of and lessons learned from the University of South Carolina's restructured preservice literacy methods course that encouraged and supported reflective inquiry and practice in literacy teaching. The course included an after school literacy tutoring program for at-risk children and parents. (SM)

Describes the reorganization of teacher education methods courses at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Lists whole language tenets, large group session topics, and sample integrations for prekindergarten through middle school grades. Asserts that the experience demonstrated the benefits of the whole language philosophy. (PRA)

Examines the structure of pedagogical knowledge housed in the memory of an experienced teacher educator and the influence of this knowledge on changes in the pedagogical knowledge structures of prospective teachers. The study involved teachers enrolled in one of three different sections of the same teaching methods course. (GLR)

Describes efforts to implement portfolio assessment within an elementary-science methods course. The methods course was designed to model pedagogical approaches students were expected to employ once they began teaching science in elementary schools. Relying upon examinations to evaluate students was inconsistent with the course philosophy and…

Discusses meanings of the term "teacher research," a rationale for preparing teachers to do research as they learn to teach, and ways to educate prospective teachers as researchers. Contains 59 references. (DDR)

Studies four preservice elementary teachers during a field-based mathematics methods course to investigate elements of mathematics teaching and learning that teachers found problematic and how they resolved those problems. Concluded that teachers exhibited concerns about classroom context, pedagogy of mathematics, children's mathematical thinking,…

Describes one teacher education program designed to broaden students' thinking about the influences of culture in society, and teaching and learning about literacy. Offers an "unromanticized glimpse" into the lives of teacher education students as they struggle to come to terms with their transformation as literacy educators preparing to…