A study investigated cultural bias in the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, using 50 Anglo and 50 Mexican American University of Arizona education graduate students to rate all 46 verbal items. Results showed significant differences in the group ratings of 16 items on the opportunity-to-learn dimension. (MH)

This narrative recounts the process of developing and implementing a field component in a preservice course on the psychology of teaching and learning at a large urban school of education. The professional development model of integrated school reform was used as a theoretical base. The field component of the course had two strands: reflective…

Some sectors of tertiary education face reduced enrollments resulting from a falling demand for teachers. Questions discussed include university participation in teacher training programs, role of colleges of advanced education in teacher training, mergers, and four-year training for all teachers. (MLW)

A study was conducted to determine if students with varying grade point averages, self-concept, internal-external locus of control, and self-directedness, selected and performed differentially under two approaches to competency-based teacher education (teacher-directed and student-directed instruction). (JH)

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)

Undergraduate education students (n=111) and graduate students (n=79) with teaching experience indicated resemblances among 20 different kinds of abilities in which 12-year-olds might excel. Both groups of teachers agreed on five categories of giftedness: analytic/cognitive ability, personality and social skills, creative arts, motor skills, and…

Examined computer attitudes of elementary education students over a 10-year period. Found that the more recent elementary education majors had more prior computer experience and lower computer anxiety than those entering a program earlier in the 10-year period; and that male elementary education majors had higher computer anxiety than female ones.…

Assessed preservice teachers' responses to information about the process of writing via HyperCard stacks. Subjects were provided with the opportunity to examine children's writing development by viewing samples of their early writing, invented spelling, and composition. The program enhanced understanding with its combination of text and authentic…

Interviews with 24 minority-group junior and senior education majors, with faculty, and with administrators at 2 colleges of education demonstrate the importance of including the views of minority students in any meaningful assessment of the efforts of teacher preparation programs to address racial diversity. (SLD)

Three experiments with 120 college undergraduates and 62 seventh graders examined the utility of inserting a delay between reading an advance organizer and its related text. A moderate delay may enhance the effects of advance organizers. Results support an "accessibility" hypothesis and do not support a "rehearsal" hypothesis.…

Describes the needs of elementary science teachers and presents a program model for preservice science teacher education. Discusses developing attitudes, skills, and knowledge. (PR)

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)

Questionnaire responses of 155 student teachers were analyzed to develop meaningful attitude scales and to refine the instrument. Attitude scales identified in the analysis and built into the final form of the questionnaire were (1) anxiety; (2) confidence and enjoyment, (3) desire for recognition; and (4) pressure to conform. Includes a copy of…

The degree to which between-group differences in performance on individual questions on the NTE Professional Knowledge Test conform to expectations was studied for 19,307 examinees who had taken the NTE Core Battery. Some items are quite consistent with the intended test interpretation test, whereas others are less consistent. (SLD)

This article explains principles of using a structured portfolio framework with elementary education majors in a special education survey course. Emphasis is on using portfolios to build positive attitudes toward working constructively with families of children with disabilities. Portfolio components are explained, students' opinions on portfolios…