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)

Reports on two studies. The first, a brain-imaging study evaluating brain-processing differences between high- and low- performing middle-school students attempting a spatial visualization task, establishes the connection between brain-processing patterns and task-learning efficiency. The second study, involving 33 women graduate education majors,…

Compared academic proficiency levels of high school seniors indicating intention to major in education and seniors intending to major in other areas. Data from the 1992 National Educational Longitudinal Study indicated that seniors choosing education had similar academic abilities to students choosing all other areas. Gender, race, and…

Over three years, researchers interviewed and followed three black preservice teachers at a private liberal arts college, examining the role of personal histories in response to preservice teacher education, the importance of various bases of support for minorities, and the value of cocurricular activities in preservice education. (SM)

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)

In this study researchers conducted exercise testing, collected data on demographics and physical activity, analyzed data by gender and major, and compared results with data on nonphysical education majors. The paper presents the results by category. (SM)

The purpose of this study was to examine programmatic factors that positively impact changes in elementary preservice teachers' teaching self-efficacy beliefs. Specifically, it examined the impact of science methods courses, student teaching, and science content courses on elementary preservice teachers' science teaching self-efficacy. The Science…

The question of student teachers connecting what is learned at university and within school sites has always been considered problematic. At the University of New England (UNE), in New South Wales, Australia, this issue is addressed through an action research project undertaken by fourth year Bachelor of Education (BEd) primary students during…

"How can this Abstract Algebra course help me to teach Algebra in high school?" To professors of prospective mathematics teachers, this type of question has a resounding familiarity. Because students are unclear as to the relationship between upper division mathematics courses and the high school curriculum, answering the opening question to the…

This developmental project was designed to solve the conflict between the Center for Teacher Education at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and the local public school districts regarding the placement of education students in public school classrooms for field work activities. The conflict arose when one major school…

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…

This is an account of student teachers' role concept based on the writings of 26 student teachers who completed their practical training in East London. Student teachers participated in a 13-week course of teaching practice combined with community work. Typical fears of these student were related to their ability: (1) to negotiate their…

Results from an alumni survey for the School of Education and Related Professional Studies of Rowan College (New Jersey) were analyzed and evaluated. The survey had been developed as a result of a previous educational practicum. Research questions were how well the School had prepared its graduates, which program goals and objectives the graduates…

In a unique class of combined elementary and secondary teacher education majors, this triangulated qualitative study investigated how cooperative structures affect student attitudes and motivation. In particular, the study examined students' preferences for instruction, students' attitudes and motivation related to their preference for cooperative…