Discusses a survey of Nebraska Teachers (n=397) concerning their measurement training, beliefs about the adequacy of training, influences on measurement knowledge, and perceived measurement abilities. Forty-seven percent reported their measurement training inadequate; most reported learning measurement by trial and error; most considered their…

Survey of teachers reveals that high need competencies were learned on the job, not in college. (Ed.)

The author presents a research methodology that addresses the problems of (1) integrating research on teacher effectiveness and research on training effectiveness; and (2) combining teacher trainer and researcher in a common effort to develop professional competence in teaching. (MJB)

Teaching contests using experimental teaching units are suggested as a means of identifying some teaching skills that are effective for all contexts (e.g., different grades and subject areas) and those that are effective in some contexts. (JD)

A microcomputer-based simulation, developed to promote preservice elementary school teachers' acquisition of fundamental feedback, time-management, and behavior-management skills through powerful reinforcement, prompting, and feedback training aids, was proven successful in several applications involving entry-level education students. (Author/CB)

Test scores of education majors have always been lower than those of other majors. The decline in scholastic aptitude of prospective teachers is only of consequence if it is related to the mastery of professional skills. Schools of education should recruit high-aptitude students and make them aware of career options in education. (JN)

Responds to Goodlad's article, arguing that the institutional regard in which schools of education are held and their long-run operational prospects cannot be separated from broader policy issues (e.g., the education system's accountability and incentive agreements). Only the development of an empirically based ability to discern good teaching can…

The authors discuss the development of a diagnostic-prescriptive teaching and learning program in the Youngstown public school system; give background material; describe organizational form and implementation; and conclude with a series of "points to ponder" for educators contemplating a similar venture. (MB)

Several papers are summarized dealing with experimental studies of questioning, tutoring, program implementation, generic and specific teaching skills, and teaching low SES backgrounds. (MM)

Teacher education should equip tomorrow's teachers with academic, instructional, and developmental understandings. A three-dimensional teacher education model focusing on these understandings is proposed, and components of each dimension are discussed. (PP)

A thorough scrutiny of the teacher's role as facilitator in the field of moral education is called for. (LH)

Despite criticisms of teacher education, recent evidence indicates that teachers with the most preparation are the most confident and successful. Teacher education reforms creating more tightly integrated programs with extended clinical preparation interwoven with coursework on learning and teaching produce more effective, resilient teachers.…

Factors that make teaching and teacher education so difficult include: client cooperation; compulsory clientele; emotion management; structural isolation; and chronic uncertainty about teaching effectiveness. Issues that make teacher education particularly difficult include: the long apprenticeship of observation; ordinary skills and knowledge;…