This article examines various policy responses to the need for more mathematics and science teachers and discusses characteristics of alternative teacher preparation programs. A program model for alternative certification of math and science teachers, developed at Texas A & M University, is presented along with lessons from its implementation.…

Reports the attitude change of physics PGCE students in England and Wales, including positive features toward a teaching career and major problems to be faced by a new physics teacher. Discusses the types of schools and subjects students would prefer to teach. (YP)

Discusses the design of introductory physics course for elementary education majors and nonscience majors. Describes the learning cycle used for constructing hands-on activities. Provides an example of a week's activity on energy. Presents an evaluation of the course based on examinations and the teacher's impressions. (YP)

Described is a science, technology, and society (STS) segment of an elementary science methods course for preservice science teachers. An outline of a typical STS investigation is presented. Evaluation of this segment of the methods course is discussed. (CW)

The range of subjects taught by physics probationary teachers in the academic year 1987/88 in the United Kingdom is examined. The implications of the data are discussed in the light of teacher shortages and the initial education of science teachers. Lists 12 references. (YP)

Investigated was the intellectual behavior of 66 student teachers of science. Suggests that the degree of integration of teaching practice with theoretical studies may be a more important factor than length of teaching practice. (YP)

The purpose of this study is to substantiate the construct of science teacher self-efficacy with qualitative data and further investigate the validity of the science teacher self-efficacy Likert instrument. Results suggest that self-efficacy is a feasible construct for examining student beliefs and behaviors in science education. (LZ)

Results from an ethnographic study of 19 secondary school science and social studies student teachers suggest that application of the concepts of initiation and rites of passage has the potential to improve teacher education. Student teaching, as traditionally organized, has not served a transformational function in participant lives. (SLD)

Reports a three-year naturalistic study to determine whether collaborative reflection could enhance teaching and learning of science by generating desirable cognitive, metacognitive, and affective outcomes. (PR)

Describes an interview-a-scientist assignment for preservice elementary teachers. Preservice teachers realized that scientists frequently repeat experimental work, that science is not neat and tidy, and that science requires patience and perseverance. (PR)

Describes the development of a program fostering prospective and practicing elementary school teachers' research on their science-teaching practices, discussing the science-education community's recognition of the importance of teacher research, examining beliefs underlying development of the program, describing the program's setting, summarizing…

Describes the content of a senior science methods course in elementary science teacher education in which pedagogical content knowledge is used for construction. Presents examples of three different kinds of pedagogical content knowledge on preservice elementary teachers that is used in this research. (Contains 47 references.) (YDS)

Describes professional development schools and how they provide a seamless field experience for prospective teachers. Provides historical background information on the Holmes Group and the development of the sites. Contains 30 references. (DDR)

Presents the results of a study on preservice teachers' conceptions of an environmental scientist at work. The teachers (N=65) were participants in a two-week project that focused on integrating environmental science research into the science curriculum. (DDR)

This article reports on a collaborative program at the University of Wisconsin among secondary level science, mathematics, and special educators. The program emphasizes coordinated courses and fieldwork experiences to students across disciplines delivered by an interdisciplinary cohort of instructors. Evaluation of program outcomes finds increased…