Science education reform efforts set expectations for K-12 education to produce scientifically literate individuals. Implicit in this reform is the need for preservice teachers to be engaged in learning that builds their knowledge, understanding, and ability toward good science teaching. In this paper, I describe some of the experiences in science…

Consideration of variations in the gross morphology of concept maps can be helpful in the context of lesson planning by promoting the consideration of the multiple perspectives held by students. The three basic concept map structures are described as having particular utility at different stages of the planning process: (a) chain-type maps…

This study investigated effects of an audiotape self evaluation intervention on the instructional behavior of three student teacher interns in classrooms for students with various developmental disabilities. A multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the intervention. Results indicated a positive effect on all interns' use of specific social…

This study was designed to determine the differences in the teaching patterns of student teachers as compared with experienced teachers in urban, rural, and suburban schools. Lessons were videotaped and behaviors were analyzed to determine the instructional tendencies of the teachers. Conditional probabilities were juxtaposed on a matrix to show…

This study explores the use of video vignettes as a tool for the professional development of teachers. It is postulated that teachers' professional frames prime them to view vignettes through multiple "lenses," and that teachers may not recognize exemplary practice when presented with it. Think-aloud and interview data are collected as 11…

Prospective secondary mathematics teachers continue to lack images of "reformed" teaching. This investigation studied prospective teachers' development of reform-oriented teaching through Micro-teaching Lesson Study [MLS], an experience based on Japanese lesson study (Stigler and Heibert, 1999). A qualitative analysis of various data sources…

Analyses of the impact of reform-based teaching practices in Florida International University's program have been previously reported. However, the impact of the field experiences "per se" has not been assessed. Using a cross-case analysis approach, the authors assess the impact of voluntary field experiences with teachers who practice…

Questioning skills are significant pedagogical strategies in science teaching and learning. This study explored the questioning skills of a trainee teacher during a 10-week practicum period. The trainee teacher was audio-taped and evaluated in the form of an action research methodology was done in the first two weeks. The quantitative data…

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of multimedia cases for the purposes of preservice teacher preparation. Case-based learning typically involves an analysis of a teaching scenario followed by a discussion of issues that emerge. While this kind of activity is consistent with theories of situated learning and social…

Desiring to overcome sharp feelings of disconnection, a year-long participatory action research seminar involving both clinical and tenure-track teacher education faculty was formed. Working in teams with tenure-track faculty support, clinical faculty set research questions but they were reluctant to assume project leadership. In part, because of…

The present study inquired into the varying kinds and degrees of reflectivity that ensued as first-semester secondary education preservice teachers' revisited their teaching actions and confronted peers' evaluation of their performance in a microteaching experience. The study sought to ascertain: (1) the recurring themes of reflectivity in the…

The paper discusses a blended learning concept for a university teacher training course for prospective teachers of English. The concept aims at purposeful learning using different methods and activities, various traditional and electronic media, learning spaces covering contact and distance learning, and task-based learning modules that begin…

This article primarily focuses on how one social studies teacher education faculty member incorporated technology into a series of social studies education courses. The integration involved both a technology-related project for students to complete and the modeling of technology use to facilitate learning. The article describes the project and the…

This paper analyzes the process and impact of a pre-service teacher education course assignment that engaged teacher candidates in developing and delivering an ESL professional development night for faculty colleagues and teachers from the field. The night involved a reader's theatre performance and follow-up discussion of Tara Goldstein's (2003)…

This volume presents 64 abstracts of keynote and parallel paper presentations of the Irish National Academy for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning's (NAIRTL) conference on the theme of flexible learning. The Flexible Learning conference was a joint initiative by NAIRTL and the Learning Innovation Network. The keynote presentations can…