This report discusses a project to assess the programs for initial certification of science and mathematics teachers at Arizona Regents' universities. The assessment addressed the participants, recommended coursework for certification, the curriculum for each program, and the faculty and staff involved in each initial certification program.…

Examining how the researcher's personal experience shapes the research context was the object of this exploration into the parallel paths of the researcher and research subject. The subject, a preservice science teacher, was studied from her last year of an undergraduate teacher education program through her student teaching experience in an…

The purpose of this study is to describe types and structural properties of instructional activities used by physics and chemistry preservice teachers (N=4) during their teaching of pupils 14 to 16 years old. The study involved the observation and tape recording of 64 classes with all tapes transcribed verbatim. Analysis involved the decomposition…

In this study, hypermedia technology was used to support prospective elementary teachers in publicly articulating their personal pedagogical theories, revisiting and revising them over time in light of new experiences and learning within the context of an innovative teacher preparation program. Given the need to incorporate opportunities for…

Factors which influence the interaction between teachers and students in the classroom were studied. The possible effects of age, expertise, class size, grade level, and subject area on the level of self-concern expressed by student teachers were investigated. (Author/SA)

Identifies concerns of beginning science and mathematics teachers about being a new teacher and their perceptions of the effectiveness of their preservice program in relation to their concerns. Concerns included class assignments, curriculum development, time and classroom management, and presentation of content. Perceptions include specificity of…

Used data from the Baccalaureate and Beyond study to examine different paths to teaching grades 6-12 math and science taken by recent U.S. college graduates and differences in experiences and commitment toward teaching. Only 46.6 percent of new teachers were minimally qualified. Those with math or science certification were most likely to be…

Described is an extracurricular organization for future science teachers at the undergraduate level. The formation, activities, and service projects of the group are discussed. The benefits of this type of group to preservice science teachers is stressed. (CW)

Reports on a project that provided preservice elementary teachers with experiences designed to increase their background knowledge of science, and to encourage them to teach science. An interactive science center and an outdoor field study center in Australia were chosen as venues for hands-on teaching experiences. (LZ)

Presents a narrative account of an activity designed to extend the understanding of both science curriculum and alternative assessment for prospective science teachers enrolled in an advanced undergraduate course. The activity models instructional practice in a methods class. (LZ)

The results of a needs assessment of secondary science teachers (n=405) in the state of Kansas are presented. The assessment consisted of sections addressing teaching strategies, status of science education, state of the science curriculum, and material needs. Responsibility and teaching experience, educational preparation, common concerns, need…

Teachers of 76 preservice courses responded to a survey concerning the effectiveness of a British Department of Education and Science grant program in attracting and retaining quality teacher trainees in the three areas of mathematics, physics, and craft/design/technology. Results are reported and analyzed. The dropout rate was found to be about 7…

Investigated the persuasiveness of anecdotal and data-summary messages. The messages were read by most subjects (n=106) in less than 30 minutes. Short-term changes in intention and attitude resulted from the anecdotal message, whereas changes to individual beliefs were more long lasting. The data-summary messages produced no short-term or…

Describes the use and benefits of using videotaping in a preservice education program. (PR)

Presents a research project designed to teach preservice teachers the educational research techniques necessary to perform a study of the gender-equity practices of science, mathematics, and technology teachers in selected local high schools. (PVD)