This paper describes efforts to develop a social studies methods course based on a foundation of critical theory in education. The literature concerning critical theory is discussed. Critical theory focuses on three areas of educational thought: (1) the relationship of school to society; (2) conceptions of knowledge and curriculum; and (3) the…

Intended for use in college-level secondary-education methods courses, the module contains text, an annotated bibliography, and overhead masters. The first section explains the federal definition of learning disabilities (LD), noting the difficulty of measuring many of the characteristics identified in the definition and the resulting increasing…

Reports on a study of the preparation of secondary social studies teachers at major state-supported research universities. Finds relatively few institutions have followed the Holmes Group recommendations and many continue to prepare broad field social studies teachers leaving them deficient in some social science fields. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the history/social science content of 139 preservice elementary teacher education programs. Finds that, although most require preservice elementary teachers take courses in history, there is little assurance that they will take courses in the social sciences. Indicates that less than half the programs require multicultural…

This case study describes the impact of high-stakes testing on a first-year teacher's literacy instruction. Results indicated that content from literacy methods courses was often abandoned in favor of compliance to a test preparatory program. As an intervention, I began teaching in the third-grade classroom while the beginning teacher observed.…

Explores the interrelationship of educational research to art. Recommends using art as a part of research methodology. Describes the use of a nineteenth-century painting, "The Knitting Lesson," as a metaphor for incorporating the use of research in preservice art education. (CFR)

This book is based on the premise that, although many professional organizations and the public are concerned about how teachers are prepared for their profession, this concern is not reflected in research about teaching methods classes. By presenting findings about the educational experiences of preservice teachers, the book aims to generate…

The development of the earth science curriculum in the nation's secondary schools led institutions of higher education to develop diverse methods of structuring new earth science courses and to develop new teaching methods for potential earth science teachers. Although numerous guidelines have been developed by experts, little has been done to…

A review of the literature on the transfer of preservice teacher training to the classroom suggests that several definitive factors enhance transfer. A social studies methods course was developed with these factors in mind, and included directed reading activities (DRA) with a text, controversial topic discussion, and inquiry. During the academic…

Reports on a study of 212 first-year members of the National Art Education Association to discover the nature and extent of preservice preparation to teach art to students with disabilities. Finds that most felt unprepared to teach art in mainstreamed, integrated classrooms. (CFR)

This paper is composed of three sections: "A Brief History"; "A Litany of Transgressions"; and "A Quest for Egalitarianism: Strategies and Techniques for Fairness in Inclusive Classrooms." In the first section, projects and resources are mentioned as data that chronicle the legacy of gender inequity. The second section provides a list of…