This study examined how methods courses affected preservice teachers' knowledge of and attitudes toward cooperative learning. Data were gathered utilizing a pre/post course attitude survey, a pre/post class true/false test, postclass interviews, and interviews conducted with subjects during their respective student teaching experiences.…

This paper reports on the major findings of a 1982 national survey of personnel preparation programs in the field of special education. Initial goals of the study were to identify and classify existing programs (of 698 identified, 516 returned surveys) and to determine the percentage of special educators prepared in "small" programs. Results…

The factor structure and reliability of an instrument for measuring attitudes of preservice teachers toward science were studied as part of a 5-year project at the University of Wyoming (Laramie) to improve the teaching of science at the elementary school level. The Attitudes towards Science and Scientists Scale (ATSSS) of J. R. Cummings (1969)…

This practicum was designed to solve a problem related to the provision of a computer training component for students enrolled in an early childhood education teacher training program. Increasing pressures on graduates of the training program to integrate computers and educational software into programs for young children as well as the students'…

A survey was conducted to determine the amount and types of computer training supplied to prospective and practicing teachers in schools of education. Questionnaires were distributed to a stratified national probability sample of 428 institutions of higher education representing an estimated total of 1,220 colleges and universities providing…

An overview is presented of a 3-year project focused on the development and demonstration of an interactive teaching improvement model that was research-based and used electronic technology. Though the primary goal was to improve the preparation of preservice teachers in elementary and secondary education, it was hoped the materials could be used…

This document reports the research efforts in Louisiana to develop a model teacher preparation program in health occupations education (HOE). Chapter I describes the procedures used to develop a current profile of HOE teachers in Louisiana and to determine the educational needs of HOE teachers. Chapter II is a report on the research that…

This quantitative and qualitative study examined self-reported perceptions of student teachers, inservice teachers, parents, and community members regarding beginning and preservice teachers' levels of technological competence, focusing on (1) how well beginning teachers were able to apply these technology competencies; (2) where the gaps were…

Classroom actions of early French immersion teachers were identified and the teachers' perceptions of their effectiveness were determined. The majority of actions referred to vocabulary instruction management. The need for a distinct teacher preparation program for teaching in a second-language context was found. (Contains 43 references.)…

Self-reported survey data from 230 male and female students who had completed student teaching indicated that 17.4% alleged some form of sexual harassment during either their preclinical experiences or their student teaching. Alleged harassers included building administrators, cooperating teachers, and university supervisors. (IAH)

Study assessed the cultural sensitivity levels of female Anglo- and Mexican-American elementary preservice teachers (n=51) upon completion of a multicultural education course. Results indicated one course was insufficient to change attitudes to accept and respect student diversity. Most preferred not to work with students from different cultures.…

Describes a lesson on pseudoscience for a teaching methods course that promotes active student participation, is not a laboratory activity, and follows the sequence of the three phases associated with the learning cycle model. Contains a true-false science questionnaire to be administered to students as a bridge to discussion. (PR)

This paper reports on a collaborative effort to achieve the following objectives: (1) identify attitudes, knowledge, and skills teachers need to educate effectively all students in a culturally diverse classroom; (2) develop models of preservice and inservice education that will provide education and socialization necessary for effective education…

This study investigates the effectiveness of traditional and reform approaches in teaching earth science to future elementary school teachers. The research team was interested in whether reform strategies produce more content knowledge and a more positive change in attitude toward earth science among elementary education students when compared to…

This study at Texas A&M University identified indicators of student teacher development to guide their supervising cooperating teachers. Meetings were held with cooperating teachers to brainstorm indicators of success in student teaching. The questions raised addressed: what cooperating teachers should look for in preservice teaching; what…