This study was conducted to: (1) determine the concerns of beginning elementary teachers; (2) identify perceived successes of novice teachers; (3) learn the extent of orientation provided; (4) ascertain the kinds of professional support received from fellow teachers and administrators; (5) identify the kinds of professional assistance needed; and…

Several groups of hearing-impaired students at Gallaudet College (District of Columbia) have successfully completed their student teaching assignment with hearing children in public schools. Factors leading to their success were analyzed through results of observation, interviews, and a survey questionnaire administered to samples of both hearing…

Some of the realities, at a state and national level, of implementing new teacher education standards that emphasize basic skills are discussed. Reported on is Kansas' response to the national trend toward teacher basic skill testing (five house bills concerning teacher education). The Kansas State Board of Education proposal for a competency…

Teachers can develop reflection and evaluation options by keeping a classroom journal. A classroom journal is a record of the teacher's experience within the classroom itself, as well as experience outside the classroom which bears on classroom life. As an observor of one's own actions and reactions to classroom incidents, the teacher opens the…

Although challenged by some, the student teaching experience continues to be the most extensive, and in the eyes of most educators, the most important experience in the preparation of teachers. Given the importance of the student teaching experience, it behooves teacher educators to carefully examine student teaching to determine ways to improve…

Using three instances from elementary school teaching experience, the paper examines the ways in which subject matter knowledge influences pedagogical thinking. It is proposed that subject matter knowledge creates two major problems for teachers. First, it results in an explosion of the curricular landscape, for if teachers know subject matter…

This collection contains 15 essays by teachers who participated in the First Annual Rural Alaska Instructional Improvement Academy in Fairbanks in May 1987. The essays were written as a follow-up to the academy, based on the teachers' reflections on their own experiences in rural schools as well as on the academy workshops they attended and on the…

Perceptions of one's competence and control in a task are related to one's confidence in doing a task and attitude towards it. In teaching, it is assumed to be very important that teachers view themselves as competent in and in control of their teaching tasks. To investigate trainees' perceptions of control and competence, a short questionnaire…

This paper proposes the use of international media events as instructional tools in the basic college communications course. The international media event examined, as one such application, is the spring, 1989 student protests in China. This type of instructional tool offers an excellent means of integrating world events into the curriculum. As…

A University of Minnesota model for low incidence preservice special education teacher training is focused on visual impairment education and requires completion of four graduate level components for licensure. This model attempts to be flexible and address the needs of the field in providing qualified personnel that will remain in local school…

The history of Arizona public schooling had a modest beginning in 1864 when the first Territorial Legislature allotted $1,500 to five existing mission schools. The third territorial governor, Anson P. K. Safford, launched a crusade to establish public schools, and by 1877 there were 28. The 1885 Legislature authorized the founding of a Territorial…

The effects of teaching on teachers was investigated. Interviews with female elementary school teachers were conducted on a bi-weekly basis during 2 years of data collection. An analysis was made of the relationship between teachers' work experiences over the course of their careers within specific institutional structures, and their perceptions…

A study was conducted to determine what distinguishes the practice of competent educators from that of untrained persons or colleagues who are less skilled. The population for the study was cooperative extension educators. Five individuals identified by district and state leaders as being exemplary in their practice were followed for three days…

It is widely accepted that laboratory experiences are both necessary and worthwhile for preservice teacher education. Research has shown little evidence of what exactly happens during student teaching, although studies have illuminated roles and objectives. Guidance in or supervision of field experiences for student teachers often falls primarily…

An effective junior-year student teaching program in elementary education was designed that combines application of theory learned in methods courses with practical school experience. The objective was to prepare education majors for student teaching and to give them an opportunity to evaluate themselves and the prospects of a teaching career.…