In this article, the author explores one issue that he believes is central to the preparation of teachers to teach in democratic societies: the question of who should prepare teachers to do this important work. Currently, there are basically two general approaches to the preservice education of teachers in the United States despite all the program…

Describes and analyzes an action-research seminar for prospective elementary and secondary teachers in terms of how it facilitated prospective teachers' learning to teach for conceptual change. Contains 37 references. (Author/WRM)

Several of the most common approaches to the preparation of more reflective teachers during pre-service teacher education are described. Specific strategies include: action research, ethnographic studies, writing exercises, and the Ohio State reflective teaching exercises. Empirical evidence concerning inquiry-oriented strategies is also…

This article argues that studies of student teaching as an occasion for learning to teach have mistakenly ignored the role of program content and contexts in the socialization of prospective teachers. (Author/MT)

An analysis of the form and substance of supervisory discourse between university supervisors and student teachers in two teacher education programs with similar organizational structures but different ideological orientations indicated a need for changes in the organizational context of student teaching if innovations in the curriculum are to be…

Discusses how a conceptual framework describing four traditions of practice in U.S. teacher education (academic, social efficacy, developmentalist, and social reconstructionist) can be used to explain approaches in individual teacher education programs. The University of Wisconsin's program illustrates how the traditions illuminate the commitments…

Teachers are limited in their power to control professional development. Even with good promotional efforts, teacher development often is unconnected to broader questions about education in a democratic society. The paper argues for genuine efforts to promote teacher development that are connected to promotion of equity and social justice. (SM)

The authors argue that the current teacher education program model, featuring apprenticeship, inhibits the self-directed growth of student teachers and fails to promote their full professional development. They describe an alternative model used at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, that promotes reflective teaching, teacher autonomy, and…

The influence of student teaching in the teacher socialization process was observed in a study of students in an elementary school student teaching program. Findings suggest that what student teachers bring to their teaching experience gives direction to socialization but does not determine the outcome of the process. (DF)

Discusses teaching and the social reconstructionist view of reflection that underlies the University of Wisconsin-Madison elementary teacher education program. The paper examines action research in the student teaching curriculum and the way it is facilitated by one supervisor, and analyzes written reports of research projects by 18 student…

Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of three major approaches to U.S. teacher education reform (the professionalization, deregulation, and social justice agendas), noting that although each has contributed to improving teacher education in order to lessen the achievement gap, each has certain weaknesses that undermine this goal. There are also…

Numerous studies on the education of teachers indicate that, as students advance educationally, their attitudes and beliefs tend to become increasingly liberal and progressive. However, the impact of the college education is "washed out" by the teaching experience. (JN)

Two curriculum development strategies for preservice teachers' field-based experiences are analyzed. It is argued that a "personalized" approach to field-based experiences is misguided, and an "inquiry-oriented" approach is presented as more justifiable. (CJ)

A study was conducted to determine the range of supervisory belief systems that existed among nine university supervisors of elementary education student teachers. In interviews, three distinct belief systems emerged: (1) technical/instrumental; (2) personal growth centered; and (3) critical. (FG)

This document reports on portions of a study on "Teacher Education for Diversity" in progress since 1990. The overall study includes an ongoing analysis of relevant literature, which has generated a conceptual framework describing the range of existing positions on teacher education for cultural diversity. The study includes the…