This document presents the Maryland Collaborative for Teacher Preparation (MCTP) faculty's reviews on instructional issues of different disciplines. Contents include: (1) "The Maryland Collaborative for Teacher Preparation"; (2) "Guiding Principles: New Thinking in Mathematics and Science Teaching"; (3) "Introduction: Parallel Journeys of Risk and…

Research shows that introducing basic forms of algebraic reasoning in elementary school enhances children's learning of arithmetic. In this guide, a research and a professional development project are described that have taken a practical approach to introducing algebraic reasoning to elementary students in Massachusetts. (Author/SOE)

This paper examines the role of developmental psychology in reflective practice, using examples from the Department of Psychology at the University of Turin, Italy, and from a regional institute that deals with continuous teacher training. After introducing the topic and discussing the need for continuous teacher training, the paper presents…

Project TEAM--Teacher Education for the Approaching Millennium--represents an educational partnership designed to improve science teacher preparation, content knowledge among both students and teachers, and the desire to better connect the theoretical constructs offered in a science methods course with the practical concerns expressed by students…

This four-year study investigated effects of a health-related physical education program on quantity and quality of lessons in seven elementary schools. Results showed that specialists produced the best outcomes and that trained teachers were superior to controls. Part 2 of the study assessed maintenance effects 1.5 years following intervention…

Describes how collaborative arrangements between public school and university personnel can positively influence the thinking of teachers and teacher educators about instructional practice in schools. Suggests that the positive outcomes realized in two programs can encourage and provide direction to other teachers and teacher educators who wish to…

Uses the example of a fourth-grade class working to have the firefly declared as Pennsylvania's state insect to highlight the effectiveness of dynamic social studies in elementary school. Discusses how dynamic social studies maintains a balance between seriousness and fun by offering a blend of variety, active involvement, and excitement while…

Describes Indiana State University's baseline day program, which helps establish a strong beginning upon which student teachers can build. Student teachers take full responsibility of the classroom for 1 day within the first 4-10 days of their assignment. Evaluations of student and cooperating teachers indicate the program benefits all involved.…

A college professor who desired to practice what she preached and an elementary teacher who wanted to observe a hands-on science curriculum on a day-to-day basis form a teaching partnership. They offer insights on their successes, obstacles, and methods for improving hands-on science programs. (ZWH)

Teachers need focused staff development to improve content knowledge and pedagogy for specific subject areas. An interview with Lee Shulman, professor of education, discusses advantages of content-specific development, noting the important role of case studies and the changes necessary for helping teachers become lifelong students of content and…

Describes the experiences with collaborative partnership, of a novice elementary teacher who was teaching writing and a university researcher, arguing for the intentional collaboration of such partners as a form of staff development. The article lists benefits of collaborative inquiry and presents guidelines for developing collaborative…

Examines equipment and training necessary to integrate computer databases into the elementary social studies classroom. Develops a basic plan for teaching about geographic regions that uses seven class sessions for computer database introduction. Finds teacher preparation is critical for student success. Concludes that students gained experience…

This is a reprint of an address given at the Christmas National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) meeting in 1958. It provides a critique of elementary instruction and discusses the changes necessary. It calls for fundamental change in the concept of mathematics teaching. (PDD)

Discusses Japanese teacher professional development strategies, which are driven by a peer-based model using peer collaboration, planning, and management, exploring how the Japanese perspective of teaching as craft contributes to elementary professional development. Critical issues inherent in the Japanese model are discussed, noting its basic…

Provides examples of the conceptual developmental process in four applications of psychology to education: (1) in education and training programs for school psychologists and elementary school teachers; (2) in a professional development program for career education professionals; and (3) in consultation to education professionals. The examples…