Argues that while Billman and Sherman's book is intended for early-childhood-practicum courses, it may be better suited to a child-development course wherein the activities suggested would reinforce content. Examines each book chapter in terms of usefulness toward its goals of providing students with a link between theory and practice and…

Outlines results from a study of practical teaching experience in preservice education throughout Europe. The study recommended the development of a teacher training curriculum based on modular courses to overcome problems resulting from the mismatch of European teacher training programs. (SM)

This article discusses issues resulting from the fact that a growing number of preservice teachers with disabilities are securing employment in regular elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms, offering strategies for preparing these individuals for the student teaching experience (preparation, orientation, and modification). (SM)

Surveyed preservice teachers regarding important factors in predicting their professional uses of technology and having K-12 students use technology in the classroom. Results found that setting high expectations for designing and delivering instruction using technology was effective in getting student teachers to use technology during clinical…

Describes Indiana State University's baseline day program, which helps establish a strong beginning upon which student teachers can build. Student teachers take full responsibility of the classroom for 1 day within the first 4-10 days of their assignment. Evaluations of student and cooperating teachers indicate the program benefits all involved.…

Discusses the role of long-term homeschooled students in providing clinical teaching opportunities for preservice physical educators. The paper describes two physical education teacher education programs, at Asbury College (Kentucky) and Appalachian State University (North Carolina), that illustrate how homeschooled children fit into preservice…

This study explored expectations, perceptions, and qualities of mentoring relationships between cooperating and student teachers at two institutions, investigating features necessary for successful, satisfactory relationships. Interviews indicated that cooperating teachers tended to function as advisors rather than mentors. Mentoring relationships…

Discusses the potential of technology to reduce isolation during student teaching and reports on a study that examined entries of secondary student teachers and faculty related to readings, projects, and daily experiences in schools through an electronic discussion group. Makes recommendations for increasing reflectivity and improving use of…

Analyzed two physical education teacher education portfolio models regarding the impact on intern perceptions of the value of portfolios, intern professional growth, and portfolio representation in single and dual internship site placements. Data from surveys and reflection logs indicated that although interns showed no change in moral judgement…

A final-year teacher education unit in New South Wales (Australia) uses action research as a learning process for interns. Online communication is the key support mechanism for interns placed in distant rural schools. Students appreciate the move to online work because it forces them to read, and bulletin boards provide support for complex…

Interviewed elementary teacher preparation program graduates within urban schools serving poor, diverse students. Overall, fieldwork contextualized in real classrooms significantly influenced what teachers carried from preservice programs to classrooms. Respondents suggested bolstering classroom management and parent communication components of…

This article reports results of an examination of the influence of student teachers on the professional lives of three veteran elementary physical education specialists. These teachers were interviewed about their perceptions of the student teaching practicum, reasons for participation, benefits, their role, and collaboration with teacher…

Results are presented from a study that implemented and assessed the effectiveness of a research-based model for training preservice secondary teaching trainees (N=97) in a complex teaching skill: clarity of explanation. Extensive discussion is presented on the study design and implementation. (IAH)

Recent curricular reforms associated with teacher education practicums in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are identified; and two different conceptions of teaching practice are discussed: teaching as an applied science and as reflective practice. The structural and political context of the practicum is also discussed. (IAH)

Examines the dialogue journals of a student teacher and her cooperating teacher. Notes that dialogue journals provide a means of (1) discovering and reinforcing knowledge; (2) initiating students into the professional community; and (3) allowing both teacher and student teacher to assess and affect their experience. (MM)