The authors begin their discussion with the Tanner and Tanner (1995) model of "Curricular Sources and Influences" to explain the development of the K-12 school curriculum. The model shows the school curriculum in the center of a circle. Around the circumference of the circle are political influences, social influences, economic…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the field experience component of an undergraduate science methods course for preservice elementary school teachers was effective in: (1) shifting student concerns about science teaching from concerns about themselves to concerns about the impact of inquiry-oriented science programs on pupils;…

This study sought to determine if changes occur in preservice students' self-concepts during the quarter they are enrolled in an elementary education methods course. Subjects were 24 elementary education majors in their junior or senior year prior to student teaching. Pre- and post-testing instruments were the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale…

To improve the teaching of writing in public schools, pre-service teachers should be trained in the theories and practice of composition and rhetoric through new courses in rhetoric, regardless of the teacher's subject area. Although the academic discipline of composition studies is now established, many public school teachers are not familiar…

This research study was designed to assess preservice elementary education teachers' knowledge of U.S. history. The "High School Subject Tests: American History," developed by Scott, Foresman and Company for use with high school students, was administered to 139 elementary education majors enrolled in required undergraduate social studies methods…

In recent years, teacher education curriculum has become more focused on the "back to basics" issue of teaching, encouraging teachers to manipulate students and classroom environments to attain one goal: academic learning. Critics claim this narrowing of the teacher education process has led to negative social consequences where children…

This curriculum guide provides instructors in part-time early childhood education programs with a comprehensive overview of course descriptions, themes and topics, classroom activities and assignments, and resources. Presented in four sections--including first year courses, first year observation practicum information, second year courses, and…

In preparation for developing a position statement for the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) on the preparation and certification of elementary and middle/junior high school science teachers, several NSTA committees conducted a survey of 50 colleges and universities with teacher education programs. Results of the survey (N=45) are…

This second edition is a complete reworking of the 1968 text to include later views of language learning and teaching, and theories of linguistics and psychology. The text is intended particularly for use in methods classes in conjunction with observation of experienced foreign language teachers. The early chapters deal with general principles…

This paper explores perceptions of teacher education students regarding the relative value of four methods-course components--experiences with children, methods, content, and theory. The objective is to provide information to educators in teacher training programs as they determine how various components of the teacher education process influence…

In the 60's in response to the social studies curriculum reform movement two demands on the training of elementary school teachers were evident: (1) more instruction in the parent social sciences, and (2) more pointed attention to the development of inquiry processes in the various fields. In response, the University of Georgia initiated a double…

Part of a series of publications concerning professional education, this book centers upon the social studies as a major component of the secondary school program and is designed for use in secondary social studies methods courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The changing rationale for social studies instruction and the recent…

This comparative study was undertaken to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the social studies programs in the training of primary school teachers in the Asian countries. A detailed questionnaire was sent to selected associated institutions of the Asian Institute for Teacher Educators in each of the member states of UNESCO, except Mongolia;…

This syllabus is designed for a 15-week, advanced level undergraduate course in foreign language teaching methods. Students in this course would have already had coursework in second language teaching and learning, second language acquisition and development, and other methods courses. The syllabus aims to give information about what cooperative…

A field-based teacher education program that is designed to educate preservice teachers for careers in urban schools is described. In this program preservice elementary school teachers spend two semesters in the classroom with veteran teachers before the traditional student teacher semester. In the second semester of the program, the preservice…