The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between student conceptual level and attitudes toward four methods course components: theory, content, method, and experience working with children. Research findings have indicated that a match between student conceptual level and course instructional mode result in significant…

The distinguishing feature of the secondary level language arts methods course at the University of North Florida is that all readings, assignments, and class activities are designed to promote the highest possible degree of student participation in and responsibility for the learning process. Underlying all course activities is the premise that…

This paper offers suggestions about the content and organization of a foreign language methods course. It begins with a list of basic skills that must be taught: (1) directing a pattern drill, (2) teaching a concrete word, (3) teaching an abstract word, (4) teaching a short dialogue, (5) teaching a contrastive structure in morphology and syntax,…

The preservice foreign language teacher training program in the individualization of instruction at Utah State University incorporates several components: (1) systems of accountability and mastery learning, which consist of rigorous systems of quality control; (2) personalized curricula through the expansion of the elective phase of the programs;…

One major stumbling block to the development of innovative English teachers lies in the basic design of teacher education programs. Most prospective teachers of English usually take no more than one course which deals explicitly with the methods of teaching English, while 80 to 85 percent of teacher preparation deals with content areas. The…

The value of a practicum as part of a reading methods course is explored through a questionnaire soliciting reactions of pupils and of student teachers. The statements gathered are interpreted as indicating that the experience has a positive effect on the attitudes of all participants. Classroom teachers are urged to allow their pupils to…

The effect of technological change on library users and its implication for library instruction are examined; two courses which provide library instruction for students enrolled in graduate methods history courses are described; and an annotated bibliography of materials which can be used in a course in bibliographic instruction is provided. (RM)

A solution to the problem of preparing teacher education students to develop curricula that focus on multiculturalism is to help them develop the ability to infuse multicultural children's literature and young adult literature into the elementary and secondary school curriculum. Teacher educators must do more than expose their pre-service and…

For 3 years, the Diagnostic and Evaluative Procedures course of an education college was offered by electronic mail as well as by a more traditional "chalk and talk" approach, enabling a comparison of the two approaches. In the electronic setting, papers were submitted and questions asked and answered electronically. In the traditional class,…

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of H. Gardner's (1983) theory of multiple intelligences in determining levels of statistics anxiety by correlating each of his dimensions of intelligence with six components of statistics anxiety. Participants were 90 graduate students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds enrolled in 4…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between students' competency in science process skills and their conceptual knowledge of research concepts, methodologies, and applications. Participants were 124 graduate students enrolled in several sections of a required introductory-level course in research methodology. Science…

This paper focuses on the use of Web-based instruction in social studies methods. The paper examines how Web-based instruction can transform teaching and learning and explores the problems and possibilities involved with electronic classrooms, including Web-supported instruction. Based upon an earlier study involving online instruction, that…

This qualitative study examined how a methods class focusing on beliefs about teaching for democracy in a diverse society influences the beliefs and pedagogical decision making of a group of preservice teachers. This inquiry, a 2-year study of preservice social studies teachers, encompassed their social studies methods course, student teaching…

This study attempted to explore the relationship between elementary teacher candidates' conceptions of the nature of science and their consequent conceptions of teaching science. In order to measure patterns and trends in how elementary teacher candidates define the nature of science and the teaching of science, an open-ended qualitative…

An action research project was conducted to promote critically reflective teaching in a semester-long secondary social studies methods course. To encourage critical reflection, the instructor drew explicit attention to issues of rationale building in social studies, critical thinking, democratic education, and social transformation. Evidence of…