The authors surveyed 44 Canadian universities to obtain information on special education course and degree offerings, program requirements, and staffing. From the respondents, the authors selected nine as major programs. Comparative data on these programs are presented in tabular and narrative form. Minor programs are described in less detail.…

Elementary teachers often unwittingly contribute to inequitable classroom environments. As part of a senior project, education majors at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, observed a fifth-grade class at a Guilford County school and solicited students' responses to two case studies involving gender equity issues. Kids enumerated…

Describes the development of an instructional technology course at Fairmont State College (West Virginia) for education majors that included a teaching module combining steps of the writing process to provide for the interdisciplinary focus of writing across the curriculum. Discusses desktop publishing, the National Writing Project, and student…

The teacher education program at the College of Education of Wichita State University (Kansas) connects the theoretical framework for multicultural education to participatory experience in which the teacher candidates consider the interaction of a child's home culture and school culture. (SLD)

Explains how learning the benefits of doing classroom research during student teaching can give aspiring practitioners an opportunity to appreciate the benefits of classroom investigation and gain knowledge of research methods. Proposes that such investigations be undertaken as a collaborative venture between a student teacher and a cooperating…

Geraldine Clifford and James Guthrie's book "Ed School: A Brief for Professional Education" is reviewed. They concluded that no school of education has been able to maintain a central place within a distinguished American university. Their recommendation that education faculty ought to de-emphasize the social science research model is…

An examination of college catalogs of 33 programs offering undergraduate degrees in deaf education revealed that liberal arts curriculum requirements, major requirements, and other requirements ranged from 90-154 semester hours (mean=122.82). Semester hours required for the degree ranged from 120-130 (mean=125), leaving students few opportunities…

Tests of computer literacy and computer anxiety given to (n=17) preservice teachers in a secondary science teacher preparation course featuring a cognitive science framework with an integrated microcomputer component found increased microcomputer usage 4 years later. Includes follow-up questionnaire. (Author/MKR)

The use of portfolios as an authentic measure of competence is discussed, particularly in educational administrator education programs. Rationale, purposes, and appropriate content for portfolios are outlined, based on the intended use. It is noted that a period of adjustment to portfolio construction and incorporation should be anticipated. (MSE)

Describes a study of the meanings three preservice teachers constructed and the factors that influenced their reactions to the multicultural, social reconstructionist ideas in a social studies methods course. A significant finding is the importance of understanding the backgrounds of preservice teachers as they interact with multicultural…

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…

Curricular concerns and issues are suggested that encourage prospective teachers to think about the social, political, and institutional context of schooling. Specific issues are considered related to the substantive concerns of (1) teachers' work; (2) achievement of minority students; and (3) gender dynamics and teaching. (SLD)

Exploratory study examined undergraduate recruitment among 55 students entering various majors. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographics and background which compared teacher education recruits with other majors. Most teacher education recruits viewed learning as the primary purpose of school physical education programs, accepting…

Results of research using 13,637 courses at the University of New Hampshire (Durham)--258,861 individual student rating forms--confirm that students in education find instruction in teacher education courses to be of higher quality than do students of courses in other disciplines. Study replication at other institutions is warranted. (SLD)

This study investigated what undergraduate physical education majors learned while conducting some lessons in a secondary physical education methods course. Results showed that pupil learning, quality lesson planning, and efficient lesson management were characteristics of successful lessons for the trainees. (GLR)