This paper develops the idea of "the authority of experience" to explain the unease about teacher education represented in comments of 19 graduate students enrolled in a preservice physics education methods course which combined on-campus classes and teaching placements. Interviews with the student teachers after the first half of the…

Most studies investigating preservice teachers' attitudes towards computers have drawn subjects from required computer classes or from elective courses. This study examines computer attitudes of preservice teachers in reading, mathematics, and science education methods courses which have not traditionally emphasized the role of computers in the…

Intended for teachers of grades K-12, including teachers of at-risk students and English as a Second Language teachers, speech therapists, and special education personnel, as well as general classroom teachers, this book offers a methods course to teach vocabulary. The book presents a course syllabus which includes on-line activities, readings,…

The introduction of the use of multiple texts and cooperative learning in a social studies methods course for preservice teachers is reported. The project was implemented over two semesters and one summer session. Revisions and refinements were made after each semester on the basis of student feedback. In general, cooperative learning was better…

This paper describes a field experience program that involved preservice teachers in creating action plans that would incorporate schools of education and human service agencies in collaborative efforts for the welfare of children. The program, a component of the Secondary Education Teacher Development Seminar, required development of an…

A program titled "A World of Difference" (AWOD), designed to reduce racial, ethnic, and religious prejudice and discrimination, is incorporated into teacher education classes at California State University (Los Angeles). AWOD is a school-, community-, and media-based program, originally introduced in 1985, The program includes lessons on…

A study investigated the differences in the teaching of methods courses in Research and Development (R & D) institutions and in other teacher education programs. The study's major interest was in discerning the emphasis given to "research" in methods courses offered in institutions having an R & D emphasis and comparing it with the emphasis found…

An English language arts methods course developed through a professional teacher network offers many advantages of a professional development school (PDS) but is easier for individual teachers and university instructors to initiate than a PDS. This report describes a writing methods course that an expert National Writing Project (NWP) teacher…

The authors begin their discussion with the Tanner and Tanner (1995) model of "Curricular Sources and Influences" to explain the development of the K-12 school curriculum. The model shows the school curriculum in the center of a circle. Around the circumference of the circle are political influences, social influences, economic…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the field experience component of an undergraduate science methods course for preservice elementary school teachers was effective in: (1) shifting student concerns about science teaching from concerns about themselves to concerns about the impact of inquiry-oriented science programs on pupils;…

This study sought to determine if changes occur in preservice students' self-concepts during the quarter they are enrolled in an elementary education methods course. Subjects were 24 elementary education majors in their junior or senior year prior to student teaching. Pre- and post-testing instruments were the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale…

To improve the teaching of writing in public schools, pre-service teachers should be trained in the theories and practice of composition and rhetoric through new courses in rhetoric, regardless of the teacher's subject area. Although the academic discipline of composition studies is now established, many public school teachers are not familiar…

This research study was designed to assess preservice elementary education teachers' knowledge of U.S. history. The "High School Subject Tests: American History," developed by Scott, Foresman and Company for use with high school students, was administered to 139 elementary education majors enrolled in required undergraduate social studies methods…

In recent years, teacher education curriculum has become more focused on the "back to basics" issue of teaching, encouraging teachers to manipulate students and classroom environments to attain one goal: academic learning. Critics claim this narrowing of the teacher education process has led to negative social consequences where children…

This curriculum guide provides instructors in part-time early childhood education programs with a comprehensive overview of course descriptions, themes and topics, classroom activities and assignments, and resources. Presented in four sections--including first year courses, first year observation practicum information, second year courses, and…