To determine whether computer assisted instruction was just a fad or a viable alternative to traditional methods for teaching English composition, a microcomputer was used in a traditional college freshman English course. The class was divided into small groups: some went to the computer lab, while others worked in the classroom. Interactive…

This paper identifies areas within the teaching-learning process that need to be addressed by alternative teacher certification programs. One of the major strengths of alternative teacher certification programs rests in the subject matter knowledge of their participants. Beyond this, however, there is a growing knowledge base that includes…

This paper describes a model of a field based or clinical experience program for prospective teachers. An overview of issues and concerns regarding field experiences and student teaching describes the traditional approach to supervised practice teaching. In a discussion of contemporary perspectives on student teaching programs, it is noted that…

In promoting integration of exceptional children into regular classes, much emphasis has been placed on inservice and preservice preparation of teachers to develop skills and attitudes conducive to implementation of mainstreaming. Review of the literature indicated that structured inservice education programs were usually effective in providing…

This study investigated the differences in secondary preservice teachers' perceptions of school climate before and after completion of a field-based practicum experience. It also sought to determine if there were significant relationships between their perceptions of school climate and their grade point average in selected standardized tests. The…

Data on the type and quality of preparation, types of licenses and endorsements held, and current teaching situation of teachers have not regularly been collected in Nevada. This study represents an effort to develop a profile of social studies teachers in Nevada. All 586 secondary school social studies teachers in Nevada received the study…

The objective of an early field experience program is to force students to confront their assumptions on teaching. The experience, coupled with activities and readings in the university classroom, is designed to make students reconsider a variety of issues--what it means to learn something, the intellectual capabilities of children, the role of…

Much of the literature concerning the challenges facing beginning teachers treats their problems as generic in nature. While researchers acknowledge the different problems encountered by beginning teachers, they often fail to take into account the varied knowledge, skills, beliefs, and dispositions which prospective teachers bring to their first…

Addressing the question of teacher attrition, this study sought the opinions of 200 female educators using a questionnaire that focused on selected educational issues: (1) choosing education as a career in retrospect; (2) the perception of teachers as an "endangered species"; (3) advantages for females and males in teaching; (4) salaries; (5)…

A study examined the relationship between student behavioral problems and job satisfaction among vocational agriculture teachers. Data were collected in accordance with a three-block, temporally ordered causal model. The first part of the survey instrument sought data pertaining to teacher and school background variables, the second part consisted…

This paper inquires into the relationship between the criterion variable of teacher effectiveness and the independent variables of the score on the teacher evaluation procedure and the teacher demographic variables of race, sex, level of teacher certification, area of teacher certification, and years of teaching experience. The ultimate goal of…

During the past ten years, a series of small studies have been conducted at Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada) to examine the influence of varying the length of the student teaching practicum on the self-concept of teachers and their motivation towards the profession. Measures of self-concept and motivation have been taken by student…

This paper presents an analysis and review of recent research on the teacher's role, rewards and incentives for teachers, and the developmental stages through which teachers progress. Studies on the role of the teacher included investigations into the social and psychological perspectives on the role, and the social and structural features of role…

Cognitive mapping and interview techniques were used to: (1) examine the professional backgrounds of three university supervisors and their beliefs concerning the purposes of student teaching and supervision; (2) identify the supervisors' criteria in their cognitive maps of effective student teacher performance; and (3) continue developing and…

This paper analyzes responses by 20 high school history teachers to student questions about the beginning of the American Revolution. The teachers viewed a 15-minute videtape on the subject, responded to a series of scripted questions read by student actors, and later reflected in writing on their teaching performance. The teachers varied by…