This study sought to determine graduates' perceptions of program effectiveness in ten undergraduate areas of study at the University of Central Florida. Alumni responded to an original questionnaire that assessed three primary program components: foundations for teaching, specialization, and student teaching experiences. Questionnaire items…

Several surveys of students enrolled in elementary school mathematics methods courses provided the background for a pilot study of attitudes on teaching elementary mathematics. In a discussion of the literature on the subject, the importance of teachers' attitudes and their influence on children's attitudes is stressed. Two exploratory studies of…

Prospective elementary teachers were surveyed at the conclusion of the course "Methods and Materials for Teaching Elementary School Mathematics" and one semester later at the end of their student teaching experience. The study attempted to determine if the goals and objectives of the course were met and to examine the recommended emphasis for the…

Investigated were the effects of an elementary methods course on preservice teachers. The preservice teacher's perception and performance of role expectations in the teaching of science, the preservice teacher's attitude toward science in the elementary classroom, and the preservice teacher's knowledge and performance in inquiry skills were the…

Describes a microcomputer-based simulation of teacher student classroom interaction and discusses its use in preservice teacher training methods courses at the University of Virginia. Reactions from teacher trainees and plans for use of the simulation in the future are reviewed. (MBR)

Reports on the views on problem-solving developed by prospective elementary teachers as a result of experiencing problem-centered learning in an integrated math-science methods course. Discusses four assertions related to students' attitudes toward problem-solving, their knowledge of problem-solving and problem-solving processes, and the role of…

Discussion of national standards addressing technology in teacher preparation programs focuses on a team teaching approach that required methods course students to produce electronic portfolios. Highlights include student perceptions of the value of electronic portfolios; benefits of technology use; technology as motivation for students; plans for…

This study investigated the ways in which preservice teachers' (N=30) images of lessons changed as they received instruction and practice using particular models of teaching. Findings highlight how knowledge and experience contributed differentially to the shifts over time in the preservice teachers' observation of a lesson. (IAH)

Describes efforts to infuse an international perspective into Clarion University of Pennsylvania's social studies methods course. Reports results of a pretest indicating poor knowledge of and interest in social studies among education majors. Discusses course activities, materials, and requirements. Concludes that knowledge and interest in global…

Finds that preservice teachers in a reading-methods class felt that working with elementary students in a one-to-one tutorial program made them knowledgeable and confident, especially having continuous opportunities to put theory into practice, with support from more experienced and knowledgeable others; developing close and caring relationships…

The development of new courses is strengthened by assessment and a response to the assessment. Two new science methods courses for elementary and secondary preservice teachers were developed, fostered by the Great Salt Lake Project. The preservice teachers designed and performed research projects that they then converted into inquiry-based…

Student achievement and attitudes toward mathematics are influenced by the teacher, emphasizing the importance of quality teacher preparation. This study explored different preparations and the impact on pre-service teachers' pedagogical content knowledge. The sample included 96 pre-service teachers enrolled in a math course at one Midwestern…

The study reported in this article delineates preservice teachers' perceptions of readiness to effectively teach elementary language arts before and after a site-based methods course. Their perceptions are also compared to those of inservice teachers in public elementary schools. Results indicate that perceptions of comfort and confidence for…

The portfolio procedures a teacher-educator uses in an undergraduate course in teaching reading in the elementary school have proven successful in helping students begin to articulate a philosophy of literacy instruction and assessment. The process also contributes additional benefits to students' levels of self-esteem, self-confidence, and their…

Try as she would, one instructor of preservice teachers could not convince her students that such skills as reading and vocabulary are not good indicators of how well a secondary student will write, especially in the case of minorities. One of the hardest sells to new teachers is that students--at all levels--should write extensively, regardless…