Discusses the use of four strategies in a science methods class that demonstrate how to use diversity to improve middle school science instruction. The strategies include sharing teacher/learner backgrounds to promote the notion of a class community, using case study, using multicultural scenarios, and using case study combined with video…

This study used interviews; observations of methods, course meetings, and field experiences; and audiotapes of weekly reflection sessions. Data analysis indicated that preservice teachers made managerial decisions, planned lesson content, considered children's prior learning, and connected their choice of words to children's perspectives but did…

Interviews and observations of student teachers revealed that they rarely used nonexamples to explain concepts, had little exposure to instructional materials using nonexamples, and relied primarily on familiar methods from their own student experience. More intense modeling and practice regimens are needed to ensure acquisition of unfamiliar…

Presents a dialogue between a university faculty member and an elementary teacher. Explores the rich relationship afforded by collaborative efforts. Demonstrates how the connections of methods courses to classroom settings can strengthen preservice training for beginning teachers. (HB)

The perspectives of preservice teachers in utilizing concept mapping as a learning strategy are examined. Preservice teachers were asked to construct concept maps, reflect on the process, and then to record their reactions in personal journals which became the primary data source. Reaction to preservice teachers concept maps and apparent learning…

Describes how selected case examples are used in a mathematics course for prospective elementary teachers to provide a framework for discussing how children construct meaning in mathematics. The article examines the advantages of presenting cases in videodisc format with access to additional information through associated computer databases. (SM)

Preservice teacher candidates changed their thinking about mathematics, mathematics teaching, and children's mathematics learning after completing a mathematics methods course that promoted a nontraditional approach, which focused on teaching mathematics from a student-centered viewpoint. (20 references) (IAH)

Describes a study conducted in a core French methodology course, designed for generalist core French teachers. Describes the challenges generalist core French teachers face, and examines the ways in which students evolved and changed as professionals and as educators during the course. (Author/VWL)

Describes how the author incorporated dialog journal writing (in which university students and elementary school partners hold weekly literature discussions by email) into her reading methods course. Discusses the planning stage, preparation of university students, preparation of elementary school students, the electronic mail discussion, and the…

A social studies methods course for preservice Inuit student teachers in Canada mediated between the knowledge and professional skills required of social studies teachers as presented in the textbook and the knowledge brought by the Inuit students. Using genealogy, concept webs, and timelines, the instructor gave Inuit knowledge as much weight as…

Based on a teacher's experiences with science method undergraduates and grade-12 physics students, it is suggested that teachers listen to their own voices and those of students and consider experience as a source of authority. (SK)

Addresses a collaborative celebrations project that was assigned to a group of students enrolled in a course on educational methods focused on integrating the arts and social studies. Explains that this project contributed to an understanding of the family and community aspects of celebration. Considers the project outcomes. (CMK)

Finds that preservice teachers have generally favorable attitudes toward teaching reading strategies in their content areas, but that methods courses in content area reading do little to enhance those attitudes. Outlines four activities to increase the desire of students to teach reading in content classrooms. (SR)

Examines the use of modeling techniques in a methods course to help prepare prospective English teachers, focusing on: demonstrations and explicit instruction, use of class assignments and explicit modeling, and ongoing modeling and reflective analysis. Each section contains a description of instruction and a description of student and instructor…

Describes efforts at integrating Web-based modules into a secondary social studies teacher education methods course, discusses effects on student work, and considers implications for creating stand-alone modules as a technology infusion strategy. Reports results of a student survey and suggests the importance of the teacher's role in technology…