A student teacher is at once faced with differences between the theoretical nature of the university environment and practical classroom experiences. This dissonance can be smoothed by the combined efforts of the university supervisor and the cooperating teacher. Dissonance can have positive effects on the student teacher. (JN)

Two studies evaluated student teachers' preferences for directive or nondirective supervision. Both studies revealed a significant preference for the directive approach, contradicting much current theoretical writing. A third followup study showed student teachers' initial preference for the directive method gave way to the nondirective approach…

Directors of student teaching programs in 38 states, as well as student teachers and supervising teachers at Texas A and M University were surveyed on the use of student teachers as substitutes. The findings showed that the use of student teachers as substitutes is widespread, difficult to control, and, as seen by directors, a source of abuse of…

The quality of an educational institution is determined by the quality of its faculty. The first professional position will mold the attitudes and abilities of the young professor. Recently, new professors were surveyed as to their experiences as novices, and their responses are discussed. (JN)

Identified and compared the seriousness of problems reported by beginning and experienced business education teachers in small and large schools. Both groups identified instructional problems concerning student characteristics as most serious. First-year teachers indicated greater concern about instructional media and methods problems. Also noted…

Presents guidelines to nurses for preparing curriculum vitae, narrower and more stylized than resumes, which outline qualifications for academic positions, committees, and honors. Lists categories and describes content of information to be included on a vita (a sample is shown) and notes what to avoid. (MF)

Indiana University/South Bend has developed a competency based program of field experience in mathematics instruction for its preservice teacher candidates involving two hours of class and three hours of field experience per week in secondary public schools. (MB)

Discusses the value of this book's comprehensive approach to early childhood education and child care in the Canadian context. Considers the importance of a foundation of reflective practice in the interpersonal aspects of child care, and the importance of a working partnership with parents, and guiding children's behavior. Also notes the value of…

Examines the issue of appropriate methodology for teaching English as a foreign language for differing sociocultural contexts. The article, based on the experiences of a team of teachers from a wide variety of teaching backgrounds, also examines the extent of the need for awareness raising in relation to learner backgrounds and teachers' varying…

This is an outline of a paper on practical experience in teacher education. The topics are the function of practicums in the teacher education curriculum; and conditions for developing good practicums (institutional context, perceptions about teaching practice by the agents involved, university instructors and school based mentors, and structure…

Reviews several recent academic autobiographies in an effort to correct conservative criticism of academia as elitist, ideologically rigid, and didactic. Works by Richard Rodriguez, Mike Rose, Alice Kaplan, and Julius Getman reveal a broad range of experiences and viewpoints. Discusses the rewards and drawbacks of academic teaching. (MJP)

The complexities surrounding the relationship between state content standards and improvements in student reading achievement are examined. A case study of one California elementary school reveals that its ideal outcomes--use of standards in curriculum planning and improved test scores--were complex, involving district initiatives, curriculum…

In Northern Territory (Australia), a small, remote, rural school serving Aboriginal students increased parent and community involvement, resulting in improved student achievement. Community members helped to develop culturally relevant, bilingual materials, drawing on financial support from the national Aboriginal Student Support and Parental…

Presents a study that used an ethnographic design to examine three inservice teachers' reflections on their experiences as social studies teachers. Finds four themes in the teachers' accounts: (1) content versus methods; (2) dissonance; (3) time; and (4) reconsidered social studies practice. (CMK)

A teacher realized she had been using language in a way that alienated the minority students in her eighth-grade English class. Discusses the language of power, indirect commands, the need to know a variety of speech types, the importance of validating students' language and culture, and the teacher's responsibility to explicitly give students…