Social studies methods instructors were asked to describe: (1) their own teaching goals and strategies; and (2) attributes they deemed essential for good teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Survey results indicated that the teacher educators' instructional techniques were limited and that their goals were unrelated to the qualities they…

A study was conducted to ascertain the extent to which instructors incorporated reading- and writing-to-learn skills and strategies into the methods courses of secondary social studies preparation programs. A questionnaire was mailed to the instructors of social studies methods courses at the colleges and universities in Region Four of the Teacher…

To determine how college instructors evaluate student learning in their reading methods course, a questionnaire was administered to 15 instructors of elementary, and 11 instructors of secondary, reading methods courses. The instrument was divided into five sections for the purpose of collecting the following data: (1) course design and components…

This book is based on the premise that, although many professional organizations and the public are concerned about how teachers are prepared for their profession, this concern is not reflected in research about teaching methods classes. By presenting findings about the educational experiences of preservice teachers, the book aims to generate…

The goal of teacher education is to prepare prospective teachers to become reflective practitioners who are able to make pedagogical decisions in light of sound theory. This report describes a model for integrating science and mathematics methods with student teaching. Efforts to maintain a critical bond between theory and practice is one…

A three-part study was undertaken to determine the status of preservice elementary science education in New England. The first part ("Crisis in Elementary Science Education: New England") reports on a survey of New England teacher education institutions to determine the amount and types of science content and elementary science methods…

The collaborative innovation described in this paper, the use of cooperating teachers in instructing methods courses, is an integral part of a thorough revision of the student teaching program in secondary social studies at the University of Alberta. This innovation was the response to multiple problems with the student teaching program.…

This handbook offers guidelines for the university supervisor, methods instructor, and cooperating teacher in providing a productive clinical experience for elementary school education majors at Lewis University (Illinois). Procedures and responsibilities of each of the triad's members are outlined. General guidelines are presented on elements…

This handbook offers guidelines for the university supervisor, methods instructor, and cooperating teacher in providing a productive clinical experience for secondary school education majors at Lewis University (Illinois). General guidelines are presented on elements that pertain to all clinical experiences, such as classroom observation; planning…

Surveys the content of 13 elementary social studies methods texts published between 1981 and 1988. Disregarding quality or length of coverage, Breiter identifies common topics in social studies methods texts as well as social/controversial issues and skills coverage. Suggests how this information might be used in text selection or course renewal…

This paper reviews some of the basic issues and concerns which are reflected in the literature and which either directly or indirectly influenced the development of a syllabus for a mathematics methods course for preservice elementary teachers. These issues include: (1) What should be the content in mathematics for elementary school children? (2)…

This publication, designed to help teacher educators profit from the experience and wisdom of colleagues, brings together articles from "The Arithmetic Teacher" on preservice elementary school mathematics teacher education. This collection of articles has two specific purposes. One is to serve as a reminder of the broader issues and concerns that…

Many believe that whether teachers teach students to "do" science, teach about science, or teach about technology instead, science teachers should be as culturally literate about science as possible. Also, it is believed that a philosophy of science course which uses history of science, some normative epistemologies, practical examples, and…

The major objective of this conference was the continuation of the exchange of information on the improvement of pre-service and inservice methods courses and other program offerings in mathematics education. Topics highlighted included the effects of state mandated programs for teacher preparation, the growing shortage of qualified mathematics…

To improve the teaching of writing in public schools, pre-service teachers should be trained in the theories and practice of composition and rhetoric through new courses in rhetoric, regardless of the teacher's subject area. Although the academic discipline of composition studies is now established, many public school teachers are not familiar…