The constructivist perspective, which holds that children's learning of subject matter is an interaction between what they are taught and what they bring to a learning situation, could be used to improve mathematics teacher education. (PK)

Reviews recent research which indicates the need for a variety of field-based learning experiences which are closely integrated with teacher preparation. Examines a program at the University of Iowa (Ames) in which the social studies methods course was moved to a high school so that students observed high school classes and received instruction…

Examined elementary and secondary education students' attitudes and understanding of science processes prior to taking methods courses, immediately after completing the courses, and upon completing their practice teaching experiences. Implications based on differences in attitudes between the two levels (including negative attitudes for secondary…

Design for process analysis in teacher education methods courses helps prospective teachers learn to make decisions and analyze classroom interactions. Model describes specific eight-point procedure to follow in examining college classrooms from students' and observers' perspectives, examining literature on teacher effectiveness, and comparing…

Results of a survey of social studies methods professors regarding educational practices are presented. Questions were asked regarding class size, program interrelationships (position of the course in relation to the sequence in education offerings), course content, teaching methods, instructional materials, and how the methods instructors viewed…

Presents an integrated sequence of courses designed to teach both science content and science teaching methodology to prospective elementary school teachers. Includes courses in physics, chemistry, earth science and biology; describes the chemistry course in detail; and explains how the methods portion is integrated into the course. (JM)

This document is a PowerPoint presentation intended for K-12 public school educators, administrators, and policy analysts as well as college and university educators involved or interested in teacher preparation programs. The presentation chronicles the partnership between Oswego State University and Parish Elementary School in north central New…

The effective use of technology in the classroom has become a focal emphasis in K-12 schools. Because of this emphasis, teacher education programs are expected to provide future teachers with an education that includes teaching specific content areas as well as an opportunity to become computer literate. During two semesters, pre- and…

This study measured the level of implementation of computers and other technologies within teacher education method courses and noted how much computers were being utilized for developing problem solving abilities that could be used in the K-12 classroom curriculum. Surveys of Arkansas teacher educators from colleges affiliated with the National…

This paper describes the results of implementing a team-project approach to a methods course for preservice physical science teachers. The course is meant to give future teachers realistic experiences in the pursuit of solutions to problems where no answers are provided by the textbook or the instructor. Each lesson introduces a problem, offers…

Although it is not yet common practice, case studies are beginning to be used in undergraduate music methods classes. One fruitful approach is the use of case studies as a means of nurturing reflective practice through cooperative learning activities. This paper describes and presents support for the case method of instruction through a review of…

The University of Georgia's undergraduate program for secondary school mathematics teachers is described, and graduates' responses to a survey which asked them to rate the usefulness of courses in the program are reported. Suggestions for mathematics teacher education programs are offered. (PP)

Describes a project conducted in a reading methods course for preservice elementary education students to model how technology can be incorporated into the curriculum to facilitate learning. Preservice teachers collaborated with practicing teachers via electronic mail to gain a greater understanding of different philosophies of reading.…

Describes the benefits of a correspondence project between 10th-grade remedial English students and preservice education teachers in terms of personal attention, self-esteem, and interest in reading and learning. (TB)