Studied the role of Canadian elementary cooperating teachers. Data from interviews, surveys, observations, and focus groups indicated that cooperating teachers were satisfied with their role and gave student teachers considerable amounts of support, feedback, and direction. However, they often were quite hard on student teachers, limiting their…

A study of 70 pairs of supervisory teachers and teacher interns at the University of Saskatchewan examined contextual supervision in the mentorship of student teachers' oral questioning skills. Findings indicate that supervisory skills improved, especially when supervisors adjusted their leadership styles to match protege development levels, and…

A School Advisor Association is proposed in Canada as a vehicle for recognizing and advancing the contribution that exemplary school advisors (cooperating teachers) make to the professional development of student teachers. Such an association could accredit school-based teacher educators and facilitate university-school cooperation in establishing…

Interviewed cooperating teachers to determine how they defined successful student teaching experiences and what they believed could enhance their success as mentors. Results highlighted the importance of mutual learning relationships and the need for greater support and collaboration from university faculty. Unsuccessful experiences resulted from…

A study examined the teaming efforts of a master-level, preservice, transdisciplinary team as reflected in a conversation during a planning meeting. The use of problem solving, conflict avoidance, role expansion, and role release techniques are described. Implications are discussed for intervention teams in the schools and preservice preparation…

This study examined what preservice teachers found surprising about their field experience. Seventy-two preservice teachers completed an open-ended questionnaire during the final field experience seminar of the academic term. Data were content analyzed using inductive coding. Four themes of surprises emerged. The preservice teachers were (a)…

This qualitative two-year study traces the changes in beliefs and actions of four preservice teachers through the final two years of their university education program. Dialectical Theory of Socialization and Cognitive Dissonance Theory provide the theoretical framework. The findings show that three main factors affect the transfer of learning…

Over recent decades, there has been compelling evidence describing the powerful effects of teachers' sense of efficacy on their instructional activities as well as student outcomes. The present study explored the change of efficacy of prospective teachers over the student teaching period and the factors that might contribute to the change. Data…

This article describes collaborative efforts to frame university teacher preparation program activities within transfer of learning and transformative learning theories to promote teacher leadership. Specifically, we describe (a) a community sponsored, public school, campus-based experience during an introductory teacher preparation course; (b) a…

This study examined the perceived effects of six major elements that may operate in the "ecology" of the student teaching experience: the school supervisor, the college supervisor, the students, the placement environment, participant expectations and efficiency, and skill/applications from the campus-based program. The Student Teaching…

A lesson in writing stresses that pupils can choose what to write about in a nature setting. Answers to numerous questions arising when involving pupils in writing can be found in this activity, including: (1) how to motivate learners to write; (2) whether to teach specific writing skills as they write; (3) what guidance and assistance to offer on…

This practicum report describes an intervention to improve the quality of college students' experiences during their placement in a child care center as part of an introductory course in early childhood education. As a result of the intervention, 12 outcomes were expected. These outcomes were divided into 21 standards of achievement. Of these, 7…

This paper presents two case studies that analyze how associate teachers and high school student teachers participate in post-lesson annual meetings evaluating what the student teacher does in the classroom. Semantic scripts are used to get to the heart of the meaning of "evaluate," and evaluation as a cultural activity is emphasized.…

These four issues of the CSSEDC Quarterly (Conference for Secondary School English Department Chairpersons) represent the quarterly for 1990. Articles in number 1 deal with student teachers and include: "Student Teaching: Smoothing Out the Rough Spots" (Susan B. Argyle and Fred C. Feitler); "A Partnership for Urban Student…

This paper examines the teacher education reforms of the 1980's but focuses on an area which has remained constant and unchanged, specifically the criteria for and selection of cooperating teachers. Two examples of reform programs in Oregon are discussed. Both programs represent a professional development center concept model with collaborative…