This study contributes to a growing body of research on the development of elementary teacher's content knowledge of mathematics. Individual clinical interviews were conducted with preservice elementary teachers (N=21) enrolled in a professional development course called "Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers." An instrument that…

The Professional Semester program in the College of Education at Northeast Louisiana University originated in 1975 when a need was recognized to integrate practical applications of what was being taught in the required methods courses of the elementary education program. Program accreditation was received in Fall, 1998. This study was conducted to…

Five current social studies methods textbooks were examined to determine how writing and literature are presented to prospective teachers. The results of the examination show that only one of the methods textbooks offered a positive and informative explanation of how literature can be used to learn the social studies. Three of the textbooks were…

The history and organization of a community college program in French, Spanish, and German language instruction for gifted elementary school children are described. The collaborative effort of the college and school districts, funded by the Federal Government and the Gifted Students Institute, provided 21 elementary teachers with methods training…

A social studies elementary teacher education program at Phillips Institute of Technology in Australia is described. The program, which places students in charge of teaching a 9-week social studies unit, is recommended as an alternative to the conventional lecture method. The paper is divided into discussion of five aspects of the course:…

Five years of data related to teachers' perceptions of learning and knowledge were analyzed to ascertain whether differences existed between preservice elementary and secondary science students (N=435). These data were generated from a questionnaire derived from assumptions about learning and knowledge. The assumptions address five areas of…

A study of science teaching insecurity in preservice elementary school teachers (N=56) in Finland is presented. Based upon Maslow's theory of basic needs, it was believed that individuals who feel insecure about science or science teaching cannot function at a higher need level until these insecurities are met. A 20-item instrument was used to…

Replies of 1400 elementary and secondary teachers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul (Minnesota) metropolitan area to a mail survey revealed that teachers: (1) held a particular interest in examining personal goals, learning about alternative careers, and learning new methods of teaching; (2) preferred activities in school buildings where they worked…

A complete course outline is offered to educators and others who would prepare an intensive seminar on the sharpening of teaching skills for college and university professors. The practical methods and principles used are derived in part from careful investigation, by logic, and most frequently by experience. Five units are outlined: preparing…

The rationale for providing university teaching improvement courses is documented and explained. Although graduate students in modern universities are typically well prepared to criticize, formulate, and conduct high level research projects in their respective disciplines, no parallel training in critiquing, formulating, and carrying out teaching…

DESIGNED TO GIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE USE OF CLOSE-CIRCUIT TELEVISION AND VIDEOTAPE IN TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS, THIS BRIEF DOCUMENT DISCUSSES THEIR OPERATION AND POTENTIAL AND DESCRIBES SPECIFIC PLANS FOR QUARTERS, EQUIPMENT, AND PERSONNEL. INCLUDED IN THE FIRST SECTION ON QUARTERS AND EQUIPMENT ARE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE…

THE TRAINING OF GERMAN TEACHERS TODAY LEAVES SO MUCH TO BE DESIRED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THEM EMPLOYED AND CERTIFIED TO TEACH GERMAN IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS ARE UNQUALIFIED TO DO SO BY ANY PROFESSIONAL STANDARD. THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS THE PREMISE OF THIS POSITION PAPER WHICH OUTLINES IN DETAIL WHAT IS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. THE MOST…

Three papers presented at a teacher education leadership conference on the development of common core curriculum for vocational teacher education are contained in this booklet. The title and authors are as follow: "Teaching Intensive and Cooperative Office Education," by Richard Horn and Nelson Madden; "A Proposed Course for Adult Education in…

Programs in Spanish as a second language in the elementary school propose to develop pupils' ability to communicate in Spanish and to interact comfortably within Hispanic culture, particularly bilingual-bicultural speech communities. The Spanish SL teacher should be competent in choosing and implementing techniques and materials for teaching…

Numerous criticisms of college social studies methods courses have generated various reform efforts. Three of these reforms are examined, including competency-based teacher education, the value analysis approach to teacher education, and the human relations approach to teacher education. Competency-based courses develop among future teachers…