Combining a university methods course with math classes in an elementary school led to powerful learning experiences for the preservice teachers, the authors report. It also provided benefits for the elementary students and their teachers. This effort involved identifying and sequencing core mathematical tasks and concepts to be explored and…

In mathematics, it is not just the "how," the procedures for solving problems, that is important, but the "why," the underlying concepts, Perla Myers explains. A good mathematical foundation is becoming crucial for a large number of careers in science, engineering, medicine, technology, and even business. However, the applications of mathematics…

In this article, the author describes the thought process that led him to challenge his preservice teachers to develop and teach lesson plans based on photographs from their family records. Using oral history related to these pictures, it was possible for them to help their students learn, empathize with, and understand the existence of the…

Many researchers and teacher educators propose that reflection is an important way teachers can think about changing their views and practices. The hierarchical constructs used to describe reflection, however, are often interpreted in ways that promote reflection as a "tool" teachers use to elevate their views and practices toward ideal "end…

This paper reports on a study that examined if it is possible to start teaching algorithmic problem solving as early as elementary school, given the condition that studying mathematics is augmented by suitable use of computer technology. Three pre-service teachers, enrolled on a course on algorithmic problem solving in mathematics and who were…

Since communication is an important feature of classrooms in which students are engaged in doing challenging mathematics, one concern that might be raised for teachers who are creating discourse-rich learning environments is what students who remain silent during discussions might learn. In this article, the authors consider this issue by…

In this article, the authors argue for the use of ecological models of development in studies of teachers prepared through alternative certification (AC) programs. Previous studies of candidates in AC programs have focused on variables that describe their demographic characteristics. An ecological approach focuses on persons and situates their…

This article reports on a small-scale study focusing on the nature and complexity of the role of the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) coordinator in schools in England. Data collection involved a review of the relevant course documentation of the four main Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) working in one region, a postal questionnaire to 113…

In this article, the author describes a pedagogical approach to teaching theory to pre-service teachers. This approach involves articulating academic texts that introduce theoretical ideas and tools with carefully selected popular culture texts that can be taken up to illustrate the elements of a particular theory. Examples of the theories…

Teacher education programs focussing on the development of specialist teachers for "the middle years" have proliferated in Australian universities in recent years. This paper provides some insights into middle years' teacher education programs at the University of Queensland, Edith Cowan and Flinders Universities with regard to their:…

Social studies teacher educators highlight the importance of oral stories and histories in the social studies classroom, leading social studies learners to seek multiple perspectives and encourage historical thinking in the classroom. However, preservice teachers are given few opportunities to internalize this idea. In this article, the author…

This article describes an innovative approach to developing preservice elementary science teachers' classroom confidence and skills. Based on lesson study approaches, preservice candidates designed and taught integrated science-mathematics lessons during the semester before their student teaching. Working in teams, candidates designed and taught a…

Examined whether service-learning projects performed by preservice teachers help them apply educational theory in classroom practice during field experiences and as in-service teachers. Found that: (1) preservice teachers should perform service-learning projects prior to other education courses; (2) participation in service-learning projects…

Discusses the recommendation in "Benchmarks for Science Literacy" and "National Science Education Standards" of teaching science through inquiry. Describes research focused on inquiry, investigation, and interpretation in a preservice science teacher preparation program. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

This paper advocates the development of high-level research capability in some students in their undergraduate Bachelor of Education course. The rationale for this viewpoint is presented in relation to three questions: "What is educational research?" "Why should universities develop high-level research capability in some pre-service teacher…