Analyzes the distinction between an academic discipline and its corresponding school subject and how this affects curriculum development. Examines the range of possibilities for the relationship between the two concepts and interprets the meaning of each possibility. Describes a series of actual curricular proposals associated with each…

Investigated the effects of mathematics methods courses that used manipulatives, technology, and cooperative learning on preservice mathematics teachers' meaningful mathematical content knowledge and attitudes toward mathematics. Pre- and postintervention student teacher surveys indicated that there were significant increases in content knowledge…

This article describes a course intended to prepare special education graduate students to educate students with severe disabilities in inclusive settings. Course methods are guided by the Concerns Based Adoption Model with emphasis on course participants applying course content in public school settings. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A survey of 62 early childhood educators in North Carolina and Tennessee found that respondents had frequent and significant concerns about their knowledge and utilization of assistive technology. Training areas were identified that address the concerns and barriers regarding assistive technology. Implications for preservice and inservice training…

This article examines the literacy of Latino students and related educational issues, including the need for more informed educators, the distinctive nature of instruction for Latino students, alternative literacies, facilitating the transfer of information from first language and life experience to school-based tasks, xenophobia and linguicism,…

Describes creation and evaluation of a middle level teacher certification program for both undergraduates and graduates at Maryville University in St. Louis. Notes four conceptual strands flow through the program: developmental, curriculum and instruction, school and society, and inquiry and research. (EV)

Understanding what teachers need to be more comfortable and confident in their profession is crucial to the future of effective teachers and scientific literacy in public schools. This study focuses on the experiences of Arizona biology teachers in teaching evolution, using a clinical model of stress to identify sources of pressure, the resulting…

Provides an overview of key research findings that confirm that changes in teacher practices and external support for teaching and learning affect student achievement. Analyzes individual research-based classroom practices that affect student achievement and support a systemic, holistic approach: clear academic focus and frequent assessments,…

In this paper we discuss the development and implementation of a questionnaire that measures preparedness to teach secondary school science with information and communication technologies (ICT). The questionnaire was designed for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of instruction in a science education unit in a Graduate Diploma teacher…

Recent documents released by the U.S. Department of Education offer a negative characterization of Teacher Education. In a recent edition of "AACTE Briefs," Sharon Robinson (2005) points out the obvious: "teacher education has been the focus of high-profile and high-impact interest of policy makers for many years" (p. 2). Policy makers have cast…

Methods courses in teacher education programs have made a transition in the last years toward field-based experiences as part of the preparation for teaching science in the elementary school. However, little conclusive evidence exists as to any desirable influence field experiences are having on science teaching attitudes and learning. The purpose…

Understanding how people learn is the foundation of informed teaching, yet it is difficult for teachers to articulate and effectively use. This study investigated how two preservice teachers' conceptions of learning theories transferred to their decisionmaking during student teaching. This paired-sample case study examined Research-Based Framework…

The way in which professional knowledge is presented in initial teacher education (ITE) in England and Wales is significant. Not only is it emblematic of the way teaching itself is conceived, but it is likely to influence the way that students engage with their development. The following analysis therefore describes and critiques the kinds of…

This paper outlines the nexus between mathematics content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge in developing pedagogical content knowledge. Increasing expectations about what students should know and be able to do, breakthroughs in research on how children learn, and the increasing diversity of the student population have put significant pressure…

In the spring of 1995 Northern Arizona University initiated a pilot program for a new content emphasis for elementary education majors. This new emphasis, "Diversity in Educational Contexts," is designed to prepare teachers to instruct the diverse children they will encounter in their public and private classrooms. The new program…