Given the important role of the affective variables in the process of learning, this paper examines ways of overcoming negative effects (i.e. anxiety, boredom) of the contextual factors. Exemplifying the uses of humor through context-specific, purpose-driven jokes, it maintains that humor can be utilized to produce a resourceful, encouraging and…

The benefits of play in the learning and development of young children has long been recognized by researchers and early childhood educators. As new teachers face the challenges of increasingly diverse classrooms, in an increasingly demanding political climate, the potential of play has implications for teacher educators who prepare those new…

The article is a report on a development project arising from collaboration between the Department of Education in the University of Oulu, the university training school in Oulu, and some secondary schools in Northern Finland. The key aims of the project have been to promote the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teacher…

Initially, when discussing how to best approach the issue of examining the PT3 (Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology) projects in the context of professional development schools or K-12 collaboration, these authors first had to define what they considered to be a partnership between a college of education and a K-12 school. The concept…

Educational and legislative reforms occurring in the last half of the 20th century appear to have been initiated in response to the writings of John Dewey. The field of teacher education has responded to these reforms by adopting many new models of teacher preparation, technologies, and innovative best practices. Many of these changes were…

Pre-service programs for secondary teachers have traditionally involved method subjects, where participants are inducted into the curriculum practices of two disciplinary or subject areas. In 2003, Victoria University of Technology, Melbourne, enrolled a small group of fourteen pre-service teachers into an innovative Graduate Diploma of Secondary…

The history of British colonial educational policies, particularly the adaptation concept in Black Africa, is discussed. "Adaptation" refers to an educational scheme, supposedly adapted to the needs of Black people, completely oriented toward family and community life, and based on recommendations by the 1920-21 and 1924 Phelps-Stokes…

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of a group of White and Hispanic preservice teachers toward the English language learners they tutored over the course of a semester. Nine White participants and five Hispanic participants were interviewed. Comparisons of interview data reveal that White participants and Hispanic participants chose…

Three components of excellent middle grades teacher preparation programs include foundations (a broad liberal education and the knowledge base upon which the teaching profession rests), teaching fields (depth beyond the basics in some areas of academic inquiry), and middle grades specialization (experiences specific to learning to function…

Examines changes in knowledge structures and beliefs related to class management experienced by middle school preservice teachers (n=23). The study charts changes in concerns, skills, and attitudes through the initial, middle, and concluding student teaching stages. A framework of change for class management concepts is reported and influences…

Describes an integrated approach to preservice teacher education and faculty/administrator development that is considered essential in creating inclusive classroom practices for students with disabilities. The paper discusses the redesigning of general and special education student teaching experiences, arguing that support is essential for adults…

This study of British primary and secondary teachers and higher education faculty examined teachers' and administrators' responses to government reforms in preservice teacher education. Results indicated that predictions of collapse and major disruption have not materialized, but that systemic instability and fragility raise questions about…

Describes how the Intervention Assistance Teaming Model, a highly structured form of collaboration, was implemented with preservice graduate students from various disciplines typically involved in collaborative school service delivery. Teams received training and used case study requests for assistance. Surveys indicated great satisfaction with…

Surveys preservice and experienced music teachers to discover opinions on what specific skills are important for the first three years of teaching. Teachers rated skills using a Likert-type scale. Includes a list of the skills, statistical analysis of responses, brief literature review, and summary of the results. (MJP)

Discusses the shortage of minority teachers in the United States and in Texas. Recruitment and retention in teacher education can be improved with financial aid, partnerships between two- and four-year institutions, articulation between universities and public school systems, and establishment of a university climate that rewards minority…