Reports a study of the quality and extent of understanding of certain well-known theoretical concepts which are held by prospective teachers (N=173) of chemistry in Yemen. Results indicate that teacher understanding ranges from a partial understanding with a specific misconception to no understanding. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Presents conclusions from the Independent Commission on Environmental Education (ICEE) on the quality of environmental education teaching materials in the United States. ICEE strongly endorsed environmental education as an important subject to which teachers are the key to its success. Although many materials are excellent and others are flawed by…

Analyzes the ways in which some beginning primary school teachers cope when faced with teaching science. Examines aspects of a group of beginning primary teachers' science teaching practices in order to better understand the basis of their practice. Finds that activities that work have a close relationship with science Pedagogical Content…

Discusses professional development intervention that attempted to start a professional community of secondary mathematics teachers through in-service work on mathematical problem solving and technology. Suggests that use of mathematical content explorations in professional development settings help mathematics teachers build professional…

Examines a classification system that offers a framework for discussing and choosing questions regarding curricular organization, classroom environment, and teaching and learning strategies. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Identifies the major tenets of a preservice secondary education program, knowledge structures that beginning science teachers have constructed about the teaching and learning of science, and the correlation between them. Findings indicate that aspects of the program such as student-centered learning, cooperative learning, general pedagogical…

Examines one theory used to justify science teaching on the basis of goals that transcend learning the content of science. Focuses on the goal of intellectual independence from science for nonscientists. Provides a brief overview of other content-transcendent goals in science education. Contains 45 references. (DDR)

This Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) position paper identifies the curricular areas that should be addressed in a preparation program for teachers at the elementary level. Outlines preferred knowledge in the following areas: general education, foundations of elementary education, child development, the learning and…

Working with the National Council of Teachers of English, South Carolina has taken the bold step of focusing professional development in reading on teachers, rather than programs. The state created the South Carolina Reading Initiative (SCRI), a multi-year, research-based professional development model. (MLF)

This article discusses the experiences gifted secondary students have had with pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs. Key traits essential for teachers of the gifted are identified: a high degree of intelligence; extensive knowledge of the subject matter; emotional maturity; and a strong self-concept.…

A process model for guiding explicit, systematic, and observable reflections on the state of gifted education is suggested, based on Ann Kerwin's Map of Ignorance. Use of the model is recommended for determining what is known and what is unknown in order to develop an agenda for future research and clarify practice and theory. (Author/PB)

Describes the experiences of five mature-age preservice elementary teachers in a semester unit of science education designed to help teachers examine and make explicit their ideas about science and science teaching. Reports that the teachers expressed a need for a supportive environment in which concepts were built gradually and introduced using…

Examined a staff development program implemented in 2 elementary schools that focused on the beliefs and understandings about reading comprehension instruction of 12 teachers in grades 4-6. Results suggested that group collaboration and empowerment were strongly affected by the interaction of school culture and the staff development process…

Consists of three sections bound together by a common theme and reference list. The first section, by Gail Burnaford, addresses teacher action research as essential for motivating students and giving teachers a voice in curriculum. Section 2, by James Beane, explores common assumptions behind action research and integrative curriculum. Section 3,…

Discusses concerns about the preparation of elementary school mathematics teachers. Describes the efforts of faculty in mathematics and teacher education at Mississippi University for Women to improve the preparation of teachers of school mathematics. Emphasizes the complexities involved in the collegiate mathematics curriculum. (ASK)