This descriptive study uses narrative analysis to examine the nature and quality of pre-service teachers' initial attempts at reflection via the genre of memoir writing in a social studies methods course. The paper begins by reviewing other uses of narrative reflection and autobiographical writing in teacher education. This is followed by an…

This paper examines the attitudes of student teachers in social studies towards an educational research assignment, undertaken in an educational research methods course given at the Fatih Faculty of Education at Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey. A questionnaire containing open-ended questions and an interview were used in the data-collection…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to analyze enabling factors in the technology integration change process in a multi-section science methods course, SCIED 408 (pseudonym), from 1997 to 2003 at a large northeastern university in the United States. We used two major data collection methods, in-depth interviewing and document reviews.…

If issues in the history and philosophy of science and those related to science, technology and society are generally accepted in policy, how ought these be handled in practice? Mandate in policy does not guarantee implementation in practice. Indeed, HPS and STS have for decades been marginalized in the curriculum. Subject areas designated to…

In this paper we describe a model for a science fair, within the context of an elementary science methods course. We first describe the theoretical perspectives from which the idea of science fairs derives and we provide definitions as we sketch the characteristics of commonly used science fairs. We then describe the context and processes of a…

To provide the best learning environment for their students, teachers need to have good classroom management skills. Teaching future teachers how to infuse democracy into student discipline offers them a way to improve such skills. Sixty secondary social studies education candidates engaged in such a process in their social studies methods class.…

Reflection is widely embraced in teacher education as a necessary process in becoming a good teacher. While there is broad acceptance of this idea, the nature of reflection has been challenged, particularly by those seeking reflection that is socially situated and critical, implicating teaching in its broader social context. This paper examines…

This study documents one teacher candidate's conceptions about the inclusion of children with special needs in the general education classroom and how these conceptions changed over time. The study illustrates which experiences contributed to an individual's evolving understandings and changing attitudes towards inclusion. Throughout a 15-week…

Student-professor conferencing and students' increased self-reflection are two of the unexpected benefits of portfolio assessment. While self-reflection is a key component of meaningful conferencing, it is also clearly evinced in the students' rationale statements. These written reflections address the relevance of students' work to course…

Surveys some predictions for the 21st century and presents data which stress the need for improving education. Cites inadequacies in present science course improvement projects and advocates changing the emphasis of science education to foster curiosity, creativity, competence, and compassion. (CP)

Examines the role of the college reading professor in terms of applying pure research to the realities of classroom instruction. (RB)

The potential overlap of teaching and scholarship (research) in mathematics education is described. It is suggested that educational or content research results can play an important role in an undergraduate methods course for elementary mathematics. The typical student is a prospective elementary school teacher, usually with a minimal background…

This preliminary report of a project in progress--the creation of an alternate research guide for educational technology--begins by noting the influence of early ties to behavioral psychology and systems theory on research in the field and recent recommendations by researchers and scholars that the field be broadened to include such…

This description of the model used to teach instructional development to teachers at the University of Kentucky includes strategies and approaches used in the course; exercises, projects, and activities used in the class; and copies of forms and handouts used by the class. Alternative teaching materials, primarily textbooks, are also described.…

If social studies teachers are to build an international or global perspective into their teaching, they should not only be exposed to the substance of global education throughout their academic training, but should also be introduced to teaching methods and materials that are international in character. This presentation considers ways in which…