The purpose of this study was to investigate how the nature of metric estimation skill instruction affects prospective elementary and special education teachers' abilities to estimate metric length, area, and volume. Four types of estimation skills were identified by an estimation matrix. Three instructional strategies were selected: (1) a…

The effectiveness of an undergraduate program in elementary school reading methods, designed to train the prospective teacher to determine learner achievement in word recognition, comprehension, and rate and study was investigated. Student teachers participated in simulated teaching experiences through self-correctional workbooks and, in the first…

Reported is an experimental use of the suggestology instructional method to teach an elementary science methods course. The suggestology method, developed by Dr. Georgi Lovanov, University of Sofia, Bulgaria, increases student learning by having students participate in special relaxation exercises and by using widely varying teacher intonation…

The author describes a social studies methods course offered the semester prior to the practicum and the student teacher program at Brockport State College, New York. (Author/RM)

A qualitative case study explored the role methods courses played in the education of preservice teachers at a large southeastern university. This paper describes the study, and identifies three roles: the relevant role, the liberalizing role, and the critical role. Implications of the findings are explored. (MT)

Of the 36 texts examined, only two did not deal with values education in any significant way. The remaining 34 provided inadequate coverage. Almost all of the texts failed to discuss criticisms of the various approaches used to teach values and issues related to the imposition of values. (RM)

Prospective elementary school teachers presented with a persuasive article advocating the use of discovery techniques in science teaching and presenting science as a "dynamic, analytical, flexible way" of problem solving scored higher on a post-test science attitude instrument than a control group who read an unrelated passage. Role playing did…

Cites concern for teachers' (new and experienced) need for direct and extended training in the implications and various techniques and strategies for maintaining effective discipline within the classroom. Suggests institutions of higher education need to offer graduate and undergraduate students specific training in the area of discipline. (AH)

Describes a survey of 100 library school deans and directors conducted to determine the current status of bibliographic instruction. Results indicate that interest in such courses is high and that preparing effective instructors to teach involves skills in communication, teaching techniques, and evaluation techniques.