This fourth module in a sequence of instructional modules for preservice elementary teachers deals with the laboratory approach to mathematics. The module focuses on laboratory activities aimed at readiness, concept development, concept synthesis, recall, application, planning, evaluation, and remediation. Objectives for the module, prerequisites,…

This module for preservice elementary school teachers contains an extensive collection of ideas and materials for planning, modifying, and implementing mathematics laboratory activities. Objectives for the module are stated, pre- and post-assessment activities are listed, and six instructional activities to be completed by the preservice teachers…

Discusses the role of the chemistry teacher impacting elementary science by training elementary teachers. Provides information for a 28-hour hands-on workshop for elementary teachers and lists 47 activities for the teachers. Included topics are food science, observation, liquids, gases, and general chemistry. (MVL)

Links between content knowledge in the mathematics domain and pedagogical reasoning were compared for three university mathematics professors, three mathematics-methods professors, three high school teachers, three middle school teachers, and three elementary school teachers. In general, teachers with the most training and experience produced…

The introduction of the use of multiple texts and cooperative learning in a social studies methods course for preservice teachers is reported. The project was implemented over two semesters and one summer session. Revisions and refinements were made after each semester on the basis of student feedback. In general, cooperative learning was better…

The authors begin their discussion with the Tanner and Tanner (1995) model of "Curricular Sources and Influences" to explain the development of the K-12 school curriculum. The model shows the school curriculum in the center of a circle. Around the circumference of the circle are political influences, social influences, economic…

This research study was designed to assess preservice elementary education teachers' knowledge of U.S. history. The "High School Subject Tests: American History," developed by Scott, Foresman and Company for use with high school students, was administered to 139 elementary education majors enrolled in required undergraduate social studies methods…

In the 60's in response to the social studies curriculum reform movement two demands on the training of elementary school teachers were evident: (1) more instruction in the parent social sciences, and (2) more pointed attention to the development of inquiry processes in the various fields. In response, the University of Georgia initiated a double…

This comparative study was undertaken to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the social studies programs in the training of primary school teachers in the Asian countries. A detailed questionnaire was sent to selected associated institutions of the Asian Institute for Teacher Educators in each of the member states of UNESCO, except Mongolia;…

A university-elementary school partnership created a K-5 Spanish program staffed by elementary education majors with bilingual or English-as-a-Second-Language education endorsements. A central component is the FLES methods course for preparing college students to teach. A theoretical model provides the basis for integrating the course's two…

Florida Atlantic University restructured its undergraduate teacher preparation program to provide a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an English as a Second Language (ESOL) endorsement. The program prepares graduates to meet the needs of ESOL students in regular elementary classrooms. It integrates ESOL competencies into methods…

The Plains Elementary School/Ohio University Partnership Project began in 1991 as a collaborative effort between a university and a public school to restructure the professional development of preservice teachers, elementary school staff, and College of Education faculty. Each year a cohort group of approximately 25 Ohio University junior-level…

Five years of data related to teachers' perceptions of learning and knowledge were analyzed to ascertain whether differences existed between preservice elementary and secondary science students (N=435). These data were generated from a questionnaire derived from assumptions about learning and knowledge. The assumptions address five areas of…

A study of science teaching insecurity in preservice elementary school teachers (N=56) in Finland is presented. Based upon Maslow's theory of basic needs, it was believed that individuals who feel insecure about science or science teaching cannot function at a higher need level until these insecurities are met. A 20-item instrument was used to…

Replies of 1400 elementary and secondary teachers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul (Minnesota) metropolitan area to a mail survey revealed that teachers: (1) held a particular interest in examining personal goals, learning about alternative careers, and learning new methods of teaching; (2) preferred activities in school buildings where they worked…