This study explored case method instruction in a graduate elementary education literacy course. Audiotaped case discussions, students' written reflections, interviews, questionnaires, and field notes were collected. Case method instruction proved to be a successful addition to the course. (SM)

Describes the use of writing assignments for preservice teachers to help them reflect on the teaching and learning process in their internship classrooms. (MKR)

Discusses the need for holistic curriculum development and reflective teaching, examining five persistent myths related to teacher education and noting strategies for refuting them. Challenges excuses for maintaining the status quo in education (lecturing and testing as the normal mode), viewing learning as an interactive process. (SM)

Shares an experience from a mathematics methods course for elementary teachers that used concrete materials to teach the concept of rounding in different bases. Discusses how this experience modeled recommendations by the NCTM "Professional Teaching Standards" in creating classroom climate and conducting discussion. (MDH)

Maintains that preservice education courses (or "methods" courses) need to provide teacher candidates with opportunities to use their own stories and experiences in a naturalistic or "researching" approach to teaching young children. This approach will help preservice teachers learn how children use their past experiences…

To address current deficiencies in the system for training optometry faculty, it is recommended that sabbatical leaves be increased, interinstitutional sharing of faculty be formalized, summer workshops in teaching methodology be modeled after successful programs, and longer-term strategies be developed by the profession. (MSE)

Explains high intensity teaching as the ability to combine accurate academic instruction with enthusiastic delivery and classroom management skills. Examined effects of intensity training on 52 elementary education students enrolled in music methods courses. Observed intensity development as students taught three songs by rote. Suggests practice…

A list of reflective strategies that can be used in elementary science methods classes is presented and includes science education autobiography, critical incidents, reaction papers, scenarios, role playing/peer teaching, journal, instructor-student dialogue, and self-evaluation. The reflective approach to teacher education and science, a…

Surveys the frequency of social studies methods courses in Louisiana colleges and universities. Shows that 9 of the 12 responding institutions require the courses. Finds that social studies methods textbooks are the primary resource and are supplemented by lectures and discussion. Identifies the most frequently taught content topics as the…

Discusses a revised secondary social studies methods course for college students based on a teaching exchange between public school teachers and professional educators. Describes areas covered such as teaching strategies, boundaries of the disciplines, international perspective, cooperative learning, research-based strategies, and critical…

A case study of student teachers in a rural high school indicated that curriculum decisions by student teachers are influenced by supervision practices of the cooperating teacher; both the student teachers' and the cooperating teachers' perception of the student teacher's role; cautions from methods instructors; and existing curriculum and texts.…

Examines the mathematics and science content knowledge of elementary teacher candidates, presents data showing elementary teacher deficiencies in this subject matter, and provides a conceptual approach to educating teachers in these subjects. Data are presented illustrating the effectiveness of these approaches in improving novice teacher's…

Interpretive analysis of preservice teachers' writings and discussions during an elementary-science methods course identified the teachers' positivist views of knowledge, learning, and teaching as prominent tools for guiding understanding of and reaction to ideas of teaching science to diverse student populations. Discusses the impact on teachers'…

Describes the experiences of two faculty members at two different universities who attempted to restructure the typical "mainstreaming" course for regular educators from one that provides an overview of various disabilities to one that provides strategies that build on holistic, authentic instructional approaches and adaptations appropriate for…

Describes how senior-level, preservice teacher certification candidates in secondary science and social science methods classes work in teams to prepare instructional materials on a community-based issue (such as the effect of the deposition of arsenic in a creek and small city lake). Argues that such projects provide valuable learning experiences…