Presented is a discussion on the negative attitudes of elementary school teachers toward mathematics and some of the research done in this area. Results of an attitudinal questionnaire, given to 120 perspective elementary teachers, are also presented. Fifty-three females and 8 males responded that they liked mathematics, while 55 females and 4…

THIS STUDY OF THE ILLINOIS STATE-WIDE CURRICULUM STUDY CENTER IN THE PREPARATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHERS (ISCPET) WAS DESIGNED TO DETERMINE THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN GRADES 10, 11, AND 12 OF ILLINOIS SCHOOLS. IN THE SUMMER OF 1965, 500 QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT TO MEMBERS OF THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS…

Describes participants' experiences in collaboratively teaching a social studies methods course as part of a Professional Development School project, noting changes in participants' attitudes and apprehensions. Data from taped conversations, journals, and interviews indicated that weekly interactions and joint decision making helped surmount…

This study investigated the effectiveness of introducing e-mail applications into preservice elementary science methods courses at two distant universities. Interviews with instructors and analysis of correspondence between students indicated that, despite problems of incorporating e-mail into the course, interest level in and attitudes toward…

Investigates the computer knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate early childhood majors enrolled in a teaching-methods course which has not historically emphasized the potential of computerized simulation in instruction. Results are discussed in terms of the need to broaden preservice teachers' exposure to computers if they are expected to use…

This study investigated the struggles of two preservice elementary teachers in a mathematics methods course. Kay and Aaron elected mathematics as their content minor and indicated they had always been "good" in mathematics. In the methods course, they were challenged to rethink the nature of mathematics learning in a constructivist…

This paper (1) examines correlations of pre- and post-course scores on the Theoretical Orientation to Reading Profile with scores on the Gregorc Style Delineator; (2) augments these correlations with qualitative data from journals and interviews; and (3) proposes that, given this data, the supervisory support structures needed for pre- and…

Teacher educators are concerned about the limited impact that methods courses have on instructional practices and the considerable impact that cooperating teachers have. The experiences of student teachers who taught in elementary reading practica without the presence of cooperating teachers were analyzed. Five student teachers were observed by…

A study examined the visibility of African-American literature in middle schools. The move in middle schools of this region toward the use of authentic literature and teacher/student choice of what is read has made a dramatic impact on the reading methods courses at the local university. Two teachers sought recommendations from local librarians,…

Describes the needs of elementary science teachers and presents a program model for preservice science teacher education. Discusses developing attitudes, skills, and knowledge. (PR)

The present study inquired into the varying kinds and degrees of reflectivity that ensued as first-semester secondary education preservice teachers' revisited their teaching actions and confronted peers' evaluation of their performance in a microteaching experience. The study sought to ascertain: (1) the recurring themes of reflectivity in the…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of self-efficacy preservice teachers developed as a result of participating in field experiences, types of field experiences that were the most beneficial for the professional development of the preservice teachers, and the degree to which pre-stated outcomes were addressed by the field…

Several of the papers in this collection describe university programs or provide practical suggestions for using technology to enhance literacy instruction; other papers focus on a diverse range of issues, instructional strategies, and research findings related to different aspects of literacy. Papers in the collection are: "A Community of…

This exploratory study of vocational education teachers' preparation to improve students' basic skills was based on previous work conducted by the National Center for Research in Vocational Education. Eleven questions about basic skills were developed and asked in interviews conducted with a total of 46 faculty and 165 students at nine vocational…

While the value of portfolio learning and assessment has gained much support from the educational community, many questions arise as specific implementations are attempted. This study examined one aspect, namely, the content validity of specific requirements, and addressed the question "How do various constituencies (methods students, student…