This case study presents a model of the University of Maine, Orono, pre-service program for preparing secondary social studies teachers. Focus is on the Foundations Component and the Methods Component, either of which can function independently of the other. Only brief mention is made of either the Exploratory Field Experience Component or the…

The technical working group meeting on alternative structures and methods in teacher education met to: 1) examine case studies prepared on alternative structures and methods in teacher education and other relevant materials; 2) prepare models of alternative structures and methods in teacher training; and 3) make suggestions on field-testing of…

This is the second module in a series on mathematics methods and materials for preservice elementary teachers. This module focuses on three instructional and learning modes: expository, guided discovery, and inquiry (pure discovery). Objectives for the module are listed, the prerequisites are stated, pre- and post-assessment standards are…

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,…

Presents four strategies (journal writing, directed listening-thinking activity, use of big books, and language experience approach) which are components of many whole language classrooms and can be used by teacher educators to model teaching methods beginning teachers can use in their classrooms. (MG)

Broadens the perspective taken by preservice and inservice teachers on the importance of science to the elementary school student. Helps education students consider the importance of science education for jobs. (PR)

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 book offers information, ideas, and activities that current and future classroom teachers might use to help students become more familiar with concepts and skills needed to be successful in the content area of social studies. The book is designed for elementary and middle school levels. Study questions, case studies, examples of actual…

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…

The objective of this study was to assess the misconceptions held by preservice teachers about essential concepts of the moon related to information taught in elementary schools in Taiwan and to develop multiple-choice test items to identify the misconceptions about the moon. Additionally, this study considered relationships of gender, religion,…

The teacher is one of the most important variables for maintaining or developing excellence in education. According to many surveys many teachers of high school physics earned their degrees in other fields. This paper deals with preservice and inservice high school physics teacher education. Topics include: (1) what physics teachers are expected…

Many believe that whether teachers teach students to "do" science, teach about science, or teach about technology instead, science teachers should be as culturally literate about science as possible. Also, it is believed that a philosophy of science course which uses history of science, some normative epistemologies, practical examples, and…

The major objective of this conference was the continuation of the exchange of information on the improvement of pre-service and inservice methods courses and other program offerings in mathematics education. Topics highlighted included the effects of state mandated programs for teacher preparation, the growing shortage of qualified mathematics…

A DETAILED SUMMARY OF PROJECT "TEACH" (TO IMPROVE PREPARATION OF TEACHERS FOR INNER-CITY SCHOOLS) PRESENTS THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS--(1) SPECIAL TRAINING AND FIELD EXPERIENCE SHOULD BEGIN IN THE FRESHMAN YEAR AND CONTINUE ON THROUGH GRADUATE WORK. (2) THE ENTIRE PROGRAM SHOULD RELATE TO THE "LABORATORY" OF THE URBAN COMMUNITY.…

BECAUSE THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY SWEEPING SHIFTS IN EMPHASES IN THE PAST DECADE IN THE PREPARATION OF SECONDARY ENGLISH TEACHERS BY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, GENERALIZATIONS ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS ARE DIFFICULT TO CONSTRUCT. ALTHOUGH TRENDS ARE EVIDENT AND ARE BEGINNING TO BE MANIFESTED IN THE KINDS OF TRAINING GIVEN PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS, PROBLEMS…