Effects of information about an adolescent's family structure and behavior on perceptions of education majors were studied for 45 male and 98 female college students. College students made subtle judgments based on this minimal information, but how strongly such judgments affect perceptions and behavior toward adolescents is not known. (SLD)

The purpose of this study was to examine preservice and experienced teachers' ratings and comments on teacher effectiveness and student learning after observing videotaped music classes. Comparisons were made among experience levels of observers and between focus of attention of observation. Subjects for the study included college junior and…

The constant comparative method of B. G. Glaser and A. L. Strauss (1967) of qualitative data analysis is illustrated using data from a study that investigated the knowledge and beliefs of four preservice secondary school mathematics teachers. Data sources included interviews, observations, a written instrument, and artifacts. Data analysis…

This paper addresses five specific questions: (1) What are the attitudes and feelings of preservice teachers toward homosexuality? (2) How do these compare with other samples of professional and student groups? (3) What contact have preservice teachers had with lesbians and gay men? (4) What are preservice teachers' views of their professional…

This paper draws on baseline data from the National Center for Research on Teacher Education to examine the approaches to learner diversity held by prospective teachers participating in five U.S. teacher education programs. Four layers of meaning given to the concept of diversity are proposed: individual, categorical, contextual, and pedagogical…

This paper examines the results of a cross-sectional study focusing on teacher beliefs and opinions about teaching. Orientations to teaching of students in undergraduate teacher preparation programs at Michigan State University (MSU) and experienced classroom teachers are described. Two central questions were addressed: (1) How do the opinions and…

The most suitable vehicle for preparing preservice teachers for work with exceptional children is clinical experience, which include practica, field experiences, internships, and student teaching. Besides giving preservice teachers practical work experience, a well-planned and action-oriented clinical experience develops and modifies attitudes,…

Prospective teachers report levels of expected use of informal reading inventories that are substantially higher than the level of actual use reported by experienced teachers. (FL)

Issues that confront teachers of culturally different learners are examined in this article. Philosophical orientation, teacher training materials, and teacher attitudes are focused upon. Several models to be used in implementing multicultural concepts in teacher preparation programs are also presented. (DF)

Study examined the extent to which commitment to teaching related to students' professional orientations, including motives for entering teaching, perceptions about appropriate teacher behavior, and personal and social values. A factor analysis revealed three underlying orientations: a sense of calling, a service ethic, and perceived legitimacy of…

Examines the effects of a science methods course on the attitudes of the preservice elementary teachers (n=145) toward teaching science. Results indicated a significant positive change in attitude that was not significantly different for low and high science achievers. (MDH)

Evidence gathered from a study of nine teacher education programs shows that lay culture norms among education students are strongly ingrained. Teacher education as it is currently structured is a weak intervention to alter views regarding the teaching and management of diverse learners. (SLD)

As primary agents involved in reform and innovation in preparation programs, teacher educators require ongoing evaluation of the impacts of change. This paper reports a study to determine preservice teachers' concerns as they progressed through a traditional teacher preparation program and changes in their concerns that may have been attributed to…

This study polled 35 early childhood educators pursuing master's degrees in early childhood special education or early intervention concerning the integration of typically-developing children with those who have special needs. A nine-item survey questionnaire was developed to assess the educators attitudes concerning the benefits of such…

Data about teachers in the United States using variables which the U.S. Department of Education has specified for comparison with corresponding data about the teachers in Japan is presented. Statistical data is employed in each of the four sections. The sections are: demographic overview, academic qualifications, status of teachers, and inservice…