Two strategies for implementing a competency-based course in home economics education were compared. Sixty-three senior students were alternately assigned to a teacher-directed or student-directed class for attainment of specified competencies. Data analysis showed positive results of both methods. (TA)

This newsletter highlights the development of reflection and teaching skills in preservice teachers via peer coaching. Peer coaching in preservice programs can serve as an induction program, while with experienced teachers it can serve as professional development. Research suggests that peer coaching contributes to the development of effective…

This study discusses the capabilities of preservice teachers to engage in a daily dialog with other preservice teachers as well as university supervisors, which has been shown to be an effective means to enhance the student teaching experience. In this study, students who utilized technology daily for communication with one another and with their…

This paper describes the Chicago Area Directors of Student Teachers (CADST), formed in 1969 as an outgrowth of the Chicago Consortium, which was designed to initiate cooperation among institutions of higher education in the Chicago area. Members of CADST work together to share ideas and deal with issues relevant to working with preservice…

This paper describes how preservice teachers at Sweden's Linkoping University are prepared to become reflective practitioners. Students participate in a pedagogical seminar group that meets monthly. Within the group, they discuss matters important to all teachers and examine reflective texts that they had to write at the beginning of their teacher…

This paper describes how Central Missouri State University converted to block scheduling to provide higher quality field experiences for education majors. The university changed its 50-minute Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes to 75-minute Monday/Friday and Tuesday/Thursday classes, with Wednesdays off for field experiences. This paper explains the…

This study surveyed undergraduates involved in micro-teaching in two settings to identify what they considered strengths and weaknesses and to ascertain degrees to which they believed these strengths and weaknesses existed. Students enrolled in 300-level methodology classes recorded strengths and weaknesses in their micro-teaching experience…

Confirms the view that the more alternatives avilable to students in preservice education and student teaching, the better their education will be meeting individual and future needs. (Author/RB)

Clinch-Powell is the Regional Education Service Agency serving 4 counties in the heart of the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. (NQ)

Discussion of micro-teaching, a scaled down teaching exercise for teacher trainees developed at Stanford University; a brief lesson consisting of one particular teaching skill and presenting one particular concept in the trainee's subject matter field is taught, followed by immediate supervisory and pupil feedback on the performance. (FWB)