This book is based on the premise that, although many professional organizations and the public are concerned about how teachers are prepared for their profession, this concern is not reflected in research about teaching methods classes. By presenting findings about the educational experiences of preservice teachers, the book aims to generate…

A study of marketing education teacher preparation programs was conducted in order to provide baseline data. Fifty-three marketing education programs were identified and a survey instrument was mailed to their administrators. Forty-one of the administrators (77 percent) provided usable responses. The study found that traditional teacher education…

This paper describes mathematical modeling activities from a secondary mathematics teacher education course taken by fourth-year university students. Experiences with mathematical modeling are viewed as important in helping teachers develop a more intuitive understanding of mathematics, generate and evaluate mathematical interpretations, and…

Students in a language arts methods class work in learning teams in literature circles. They read novels, keep journals, and use a variety of strategies in exploring the novels and relating the authors' work and ideas to their own lives. Occasionally, the group is asked to develop questions which they would like to ask the author. Invariably,…

A study identified the behavior and attitude of three science education graduate students assigned to two different science education professors. These professors taught separate sections of the same science methods course at a university. The symbolic interactionist and functionalist positions were taken as a theoretical perspective. Data…

A study investigated whether a course in pedagogical content in English would have an impact on the lesson plans of 11 student teachers. Students were directed to write lesson plans for the short story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, both at the beginning of the course and at the conclusion. Student teachers' perceptions of their…

This study was conducted to examine the value of analyzing student teachers' metaphors for purposes of early identification of beliefs and teaching orientations. Participants were 2 university professors and 23 female elementary education majors enrolled in a reading/language arts methods course designed as an early field placement. During the…

This paper reviews several definitions and descriptions of the term knowledge base, identifies potential sources, and offers a guide for teacher education faculty who are considering the need to undergird their programs with appropriate knowledge bases. Questions such as how to begin the process of building a knowledge base, the steps involved,…

Maryville University (Missouri) believes in training competent beginning teachers who understand that all children can learn. Regarding mathematics, prospective teachers must often be convinced they can learn it themselves. Because most students do not have much math preparation, do not like it, and have great misconceptions, Maryville assumes…

This exploratory study examined the structure of declarative knowledge about pedagogy housed in the memory of an experienced teacher educator, and it sought to determine the teacher educator's influence on the development of declarative knowledge structures in undergraduate students enrolled in three sections of a physical education teaching…

The goal of teacher education is to prepare prospective teachers to become reflective practitioners who are able to make pedagogical decisions in light of sound theory. This report describes a model for integrating science and mathematics methods with student teaching. Efforts to maintain a critical bond between theory and practice is one…

The University of Alabama set up a communication network pilot program to enhance the early childhood and elementary methods block in the College of Education. The pilot program incorporated electronic mail (E-Mail), a fax machine, and a microcomputer communications network. The network made possible instructors' clarifications of assignments,…

This paper describes how the Web-based Inquiry for Learning Science (WBI) instrument was used with preservice elementary and secondary science teachers in science methods courses to enhance their understanding of Web-based scientific inquiry. The WBI instrument is designed to help teachers identify Web-based inquiry activities for learning science…

This paper outlines the efforts of two mathematics teacher educators in their use of online videos to expose their elementary preservice teachers to examples of reform teaching, as espoused by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The online videos provide an excellent source for reflection, and each author shares their different…

This paper discusses a model for providing technical assistance to teachers of students with severe/profound mental handicaps who teach in rural areas. The model, known as the Institute for Educators of Students with Severe/Profound Mental Handicaps, is presently in its second successful year in the state of Georgia. Its unique design provides a…