Reports on a study of 17 undergraduate music education majors to determine whether sequential instructional techniques acquired in a methods course were transferred to a private instructional setting. Finds that students who were told explicitly to use the sequential approach were more successful in applying the acquired skills. (CFR)

Recounts the story of one portfolio project in a large midwestern university and considers the process of the teachers and administrators initiating and adjusting to the changes implied by such shifts in assessment strategies. Argues that the implementation of such assessment represents more sweeping change than may be apparent at the onset. (MG)

Addresses prospect of approaching clinical inquiry as a scientific activity and considering counseling practice as a context for scientific training of counseling psychologists. Discusses problems in attempting to find common ground between clinical teaching and research training. Proposes that scientific training needs to include development of…

The beliefs of 39 intermediate-level teachers (9 males and 30 females) from 6 elementary schools concerning their practices in reading comprehension instruction were determined via interviews and compared with observations of their practices. Teachers' beliefs corresponded with their practices. One case study illustrates an example where this was…

A social work education model integrating classroom instruction and field experience, adapted from learning theory positing a four-stage learning cycle, is described. Instructors (in either classroom and practicum) begin with a specific practice situation and, with students, engage in a process of cognitive and personal associations to arrive at…

Describes the liberal arts, computer laboratory-based economics program at Denison University (Ohio). Includes as goals helping students to (1) understand deductive arguments, (2) learn to apply theory in real-world situations, and (3) test and modify theory when necessary. Notes that the program combines computer laboratory experiments for…

Analyzes social theory as an antecedent to social policy, and social policy as an antecedent to social practice. The African-American family provides the basis for this examination. Social policy should be based on empirical observation as well as theory, and it should be population specific. (SLD)

Focuses on strengths of African-American families and how they function, relevant conceptual approaches, and trends and issues in studying African-American families that can facilitate understanding. A shift from studying dysfunctional families to more positive aspects can help African-American families meet societal challenges. (SLD)

Describes a study that investigated the use of a computer-generated narrative content analysis procedure to determine preservice elementary education teachers' perspectives during their first field experience. Semantic units were analyzed that expressed concerns about the internship environment and role, classroom management, discrepancies between…

Describes proactive efforts to link educational research and practice by the University of California (Santa Barbara) through its Educational Leadership Institute, which fosters relationships between university faculty and school superintendents who work in study teams to investigate specific problems confronting local schools. Proposed solutions…

A Missouri study involving performance-based teacher evaluation demonstrated that school personnel and university faculty members can collaborate to prepare beginning teachers to be more effective at designing and implementing teaching models. The keys to success are a shared professional knowledge base and common commitment to implementation…

A discussion of ethics instruction in pharmacy practice argues that, because pharmacy students are still rapidly developing cognitively, faculty has an opportunity to help students mature and become socially conscious critical thinkers. The problem-solving process, dealing with alternative solutions, ambiguity, and flexible curriculum construction…

This paper argues that quality in mathematics teaching is related to pupil achievement; teaching approaches; and beliefs about the nature of mathematics, teaching, and learning. The apprenticeship model of mathematics teacher education is seen as depriving student teachers of theory and practical research experience. (MSE)

Describes the structures, curriculum, and instructional modes desirable in an administrator preparation program compatible with the needs of the twenty-first century. The model presented emphasizes a field-based program that integrates theory and practice through a hierarchically structured problem-solving approach to learning. Paid internships…

This commentary discusses issues from EC 231 901 on services for mentally retarded individuals: emphasis on structural features of the environment rather than its functional dynamics; developmental progress and personal well-being of the individual superseding ideological and civil liberties missions; and the multifaceted role of scientists as…