Presents methods of using data sets to explain the concepts of ecological fallacy and psychological reductionism to beginning methods students. Includes information on variables, an appendix on data and software sources, and statistical results. Suggests that students will learn the concepts described as well as the principle of uncertainty in…

Reviews a number of books for language arts methods course instructors that address a tension between their professional obligation to represent a broad range of theoretical issues current in the field and their students' urgent desire for practical skills and information that will help them get an English class up and running. (TB)

Defines components of activity systems shaping readers' responses to literature. Applies a framework to responses of "advanced" and "regular" high school students to a story about a regular student going on a field trip with advanced students. Applies the framework to responses of teachers in a graduate writing methods course…

When the faculty of the Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies Department at Western Illinois University were asked to develop an online research methods course several years ago, the author was skeptical. How could anyone possibly teach the complexities of research over the internet? The author's face-to-face course focused on helping students…

Concludes that involvement in a supervised teacher-learner context is essential in creating a meaningful learning environment for undergraduate students in reading. (RB)

Describes an outline for evaluating student essays, involving holistic evaluation, rating of the writer's effectiveness in displaying a particular "primary trait," and rating on mechanics. (DD)

Outlines a module on diagnostic and prescriptive teaching which was developed for teachers in service who needed a refresher course in reading. (JM)

This paper explores the responsibility of the sexual educator and the characteristics needed to deal adequately with all facets of sex education in a positive, enriching way. A plan to help preservice teachers feel more comfortable and to teach them appropriate classroom methods is given. (MT)

This paper describes how the literacy methods course at Washington State University was modified in light of critical literacy and service learning perspectives. The goal has always been to teach preservice teachers literacy development strategies within units of instruction of their own design, units they construct that integrate content and…

Describes a microteaching program that integrates theory and practice for student teachers. (HS)

Describes a graduate history course at Colorado State University designed to increase the accessibility of archival materials while providing graduate students with readily applicable training in basic professional skills. (Author/CK)

Outlines a research methods course which stresses experiential learning through a variety of projects in which students learn the major aspects of experimentation. An in-class study, research project, proposal, and class analysis are discussed. (KC)

Describes a lesson in a research methods class teaching undergraduate students instrument construction and interviewing techniques, using film viewing, discussion, and interviewing exercises. Student reactions were positive. (CK)

Presents the findings of a questionnaire survey of 100 American colleges and universities regarding language arts methods courses and topics. (DD)