This article describes a set of Preactive Decision Exercises (PreDEx) that can be used to evaluate teachers' planning abilities. The exercises present, through simulations, typical situations in which teachers must make planning decisions. The exercises were given to students entering a preservice teacher education program. (Author/PP)

This paper provides the background for a workshop designed to stimulate interaction between case writers for research and case writers for teaching around the practical challenges of fieldwork. The first section defines the workshop format (panel presentations, group discussions, and a plenary session). It also describes four major issues to be…

This paper discusses the evolution, development, and thinking behind eight lesson plan formats. A Herbartian 5-step lesson plan (1980) involves teachers' understanding and use of students' previous knowledge. It includes preparation of previous learning, presentation of new materials, association of old and new ideas, generalization, and…

This textbook provides an overview of social studies content and teaching for the preservice elementary teacher. The 10 chapters include: (1) "Today's Elementary Social Studies Classrooms"; (2) "Making Plans To Teach"; (3) "The Social Studies Program"; (4) "Textbook Units and Their Uses"; (5) "Organizing to Teach, Assess, and Evaluate in the…

The Slovak society is in the process of transformation. The main direction of transformation is political, from the totalitarian to the democratic society. The growing cultural variety of Slovakia increases the importance of multicultural education for student teachers. This curriculum guide for multicultural education in teacher training in…

This document builds on the 1997 Standards for the Preparation of Graduate-Level Health Educators by including expanded content descriptors and objectives for the graduate level competencies. It begins by discussing evolution of health education competencies; chronology of the graduate standard development process; benefits of graduate level…

This book offers a step-by-step teacher's guide to developing professional portfolios tailored to specific uses. It is designed for use in professional development programs, teacher assessment programs, and teacher preparation courses. The eight chapters focus on (1) "Defining Portfolios and Their Purposes," (2) "Developmental…

Results of a study involving 94 preservice elementary teachers suggest the instruction students in such programs should be given to develop computer literacy. A model for computer education which consists of four stages is presented in detail. It is recommended that all preservice elementary teachers go through the first two. (MP)

Five objectives are suggested for teacher education institutions to use in response to National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education guidelines on multicultural education: (1) identifying faculty strengths; (2) eliciting administrative support; (3) establishing program goals; (4) setting course requirements; and (5) involving the…

Examines how prospective teachers can better understand the importance of interpretive moves and become more adept at asking literary questions. Argues that skills instruction often takes away from literary discourse. (MM)

The paper examines how the Internet can be used to improve secondary science instruction, focusing on Internet learning strategies and discussing why preservice teachers should be taught to use the Internet. Four preservice teacher education classes that teach about using Internet to educate students are described. (SM)

This article reviews six studies on peer coaching of preservice teachers during field-based experiences and discusses factors to consider when using this supervisory method, including selection of teacher behaviors for observation, characteristics of coach and preservice teacher, responsibilities of the coach, coach training, and coaching…

Clarion University of Pennsylvania has developed and implemented a model health-education emphasis for preservice teachers. The program addresses key issues in health education and offers professional preparation for providing health education as part of an overall comprehensive health program for schools. (SM)

Presents recommendations by the Association for the Advancement of Health Education and the American School Health Association for health instruction responsibilities and competencies needed for elementary teachers (communicate program concepts and purposes, assess student health instruction needs and interests, plan and implement instruction, and…

Describes the controversial movement toward voluntary teacher certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. An examination of existing certification and review mechanisms does not support the board's view that performance assessment surpasses traditional testing. The article discusses implications for school health…