This book presents a framework for discussing the action of teachers in public elementary schools as the 21st century approaches. An educator with almost 30 years of teaching experience speaks from the perspective of teacher and parent. He tells tales about his family and his life as a teacher; he shares his social and moral philosophy and what he…

This paper describes a study designed to determine the congruency of preservice student learning experiences with student needs and expectations. During the 1991-1992 academic year, 39 secondary student teachers responded to 3 analytical questions about their student teaching experiences. Responses were analyzed and ranked in three categories. In…

Beginning teachers' learning is complex and personal: they learn about themselves as teachers; they fight with newly revealed selves endeavoring to change; and they engage in a struggle that is both emotional and intellectual. This report presents narratives, based on both journals and taped conversations, of the learning experiences of six novice…

These guidelines describe the role and duties of all participants in field experience programs for prospective teachers at Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama). Requirements for entry, retention, and exit from the program are described, and policies regarding the placement of students in local schools are listed. Outlines are presented of what…

This anthology collects stories from various classrooms and collaborations supported by the Orion Society. Orion's Stories in the Land fellowships are 1-year teacher stipends that promote effective place-based education: interdisciplinary studies of the local natural and cultural history using extensive field experiences and diverse "human…

This book presents the reflections of 53 award-winning first-year teachers who talk candidly about their successes and setbacks, emphasizing the relationships they formed with colleagues, university professors, and students' parents. It is based on discussions sparked by questions about supports that they needed in their first year of teaching and…

Recounts a student teacher's first experiences in the classroom and provides helpful commentary and suggestions from a more experienced teacher. Briefly discusses classroom management, learning styles, individual needs, time constraints, assessment, and instructional materials. Includes a list of activities that help promote an atmosphere of…

Provides a summary of postmodernist thinking and attempts to find a place for social studies in a system that abjures all accepted notions of authority and objectivity. Concludes that postmodernism's view of a world ruled by a multiple discourses is not inimical to social studies' emphasis on critical analysis. (MJP)

Offers excerpts from Shalva Amonashvili's 1983 teaching guide, "Hello Children." Includes chapters on Amonashvili's analysis of Day No. 122 in the school year and reflections on the last day. The guide is based on Amonashvili's experiences teaching six-year olds that incorporated his love for children and humanistic teaching methods. (CH)

A study of 55 University of Sydney (Australia) faculty investigated relationships between willingness to seek evaluations from students, perceived competence on teaching tasks, and 7 demographic, educational, and professional background variables. Perceived competence was a direct but negative influence on willingness. Gender, doctorate, and…

Presents results of a study of knowledge of place location among preservice and inservice teachers. Reports finding a better place vocabulary among inservice teachers and a relationship between correct responses and the proximity of the target state to the subject's home state. Concludes that university attendance did not affect results whereas…

Describes the "Adopt-a-School Project" that is part of the preservice art education program at the University of Kentucky. Contends that the confidence gained during this experience encourages the students to continue in art education and in their own personal art production pursuits. (CFR)

The framework for teaching described in this book is based on PRAXIS III: Classroom Performance Assessments criteria developed by the Educational Testing Service. This framework identifies those aspects of a teacher's responsibilities that have been documented through empirical studies and theoretical research as promoting improved student…

This book, a research-based text, describes peer observation and assistance (POA), a method designed to isolate behaviors and skills shown to raise student achievement levels and the process by which teachers can help their peers improve performance in these areas. The volume is organized into 10 chapters: (1) Teachers Helping Teachers: The…

This volume lays out the human factors involved in effective teaching and encourages both future teachers and current practitioners to cultivate the personal and professional qualities found in the kind of teachers they want to be. The single most important factor in a teacher's effectiveness is described as his or her unique style of interaction…