Over a period of five semesters, the attitudes of preservice secondary mathematics teachers participating in seven varieties of educational experiences were measured using the Mathematics Teaching Inventory (MTI). Items on the MTI were scored for modern versus traditional attitudes. Seven subscales were generated by classifying items on the basis…

An Information Retrieval (IR) system for 5312 social science generalizations and a social simulation game, called "Explanation", are discussed. The game, using specially prepared case studies, is designed to permit players to develop ability in asking questions, generalizing, and stating tentative explanations. The research revealed the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a series of self-instructional modules (SIMs) for training secondary-level social studies teacher-trainees to develop and ask higher-level questions. Forty subjects enrolled for social studies methods courses were blocked on pre-test scores and randomly assigned to treatment groups.…

This first module in the "Mathematics Methods and Materials" cluster for preservice elementary teachers is designed to help the intern teacher consider different ways of teaching and of learning mathematics. The rationale for the module is provided, followed by lists of objectives, instructional activities for the intern to complete, and…

The third in a sequence of modules for preservice elementary school mathematics teachers, this module covers behavioral objectives and the use of state mathematics curriculum guides. Objectives for the module are specified; prerequisites are listed; and pre- and post-assessment and remediation activities are given. Ten instructional activities to…

The constructivist perspective, which holds that children's learning of subject matter is an interaction between what they are taught and what they bring to a learning situation, could be used to improve mathematics teacher education. (PK)

Reviews recent research which indicates the need for a variety of field-based learning experiences which are closely integrated with teacher preparation. Examines a program at the University of Iowa (Ames) in which the social studies methods course was moved to a high school so that students observed high school classes and received instruction…

Examined elementary and secondary education students' attitudes and understanding of science processes prior to taking methods courses, immediately after completing the courses, and upon completing their practice teaching experiences. Implications based on differences in attitudes between the two levels (including negative attitudes for secondary…

Design for process analysis in teacher education methods courses helps prospective teachers learn to make decisions and analyze classroom interactions. Model describes specific eight-point procedure to follow in examining college classrooms from students' and observers' perspectives, examining literature on teacher effectiveness, and comparing…

Results of a survey of social studies methods professors regarding educational practices are presented. Questions were asked regarding class size, program interrelationships (position of the course in relation to the sequence in education offerings), course content, teaching methods, instructional materials, and how the methods instructors viewed…

Presents an integrated sequence of courses designed to teach both science content and science teaching methodology to prospective elementary school teachers. Includes courses in physics, chemistry, earth science and biology; describes the chemistry course in detail; and explains how the methods portion is integrated into the course. (JM)

This document is a PowerPoint presentation intended for K-12 public school educators, administrators, and policy analysts as well as college and university educators involved or interested in teacher preparation programs. The presentation chronicles the partnership between Oswego State University and Parish Elementary School in north central New…

The effective use of technology in the classroom has become a focal emphasis in K-12 schools. Because of this emphasis, teacher education programs are expected to provide future teachers with an education that includes teaching specific content areas as well as an opportunity to become computer literate. During two semesters, pre- and…

This study measured the level of implementation of computers and other technologies within teacher education method courses and noted how much computers were being utilized for developing problem solving abilities that could be used in the K-12 classroom curriculum. Surveys of Arkansas teacher educators from colleges affiliated with the National…

This paper describes the results of implementing a team-project approach to a methods course for preservice physical science teachers. The course is meant to give future teachers realistic experiences in the pursuit of solutions to problems where no answers are provided by the textbook or the instructor. Each lesson introduces a problem, offers…