This article reviews findings from a study of preservice elementary education students (N=101) who were administered the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to determine the type of student who shows a preference for elementary teaching as an occupational choice. Implications of findings for preservice teacher education and classroom practice are…

Investigates the reading behaviors and perceived reading status of 42 teacher education majors. Finds that teacher education students, whether labeling themselves as "frequent" or "occasional" readers, view themselves as readers in a literate society who will serve as role models to promote literacy in prospective students.…

Finds that, among 429 senior education majors, high school teachers, and administrators in Newfoundland (Canada), there was (1) little awareness about human rights, particularly students' rights; (2) no greater awareness among social studies teachers or administrators; and (3) a wide range of opinions on specific human rights issues. (SV)

This study examined how experienced teachers use their complex knowledge structure to find and solve problems in the classroom. Of 30 teachers and teacher trainees, the experienced teachers imposed an experiential structure on lesson content, spent less time planning, and focused on general concerns rather than specific problems. (PB)

Describes the potential benefits of the Pre-Teacher Assessment Project, that assesses sophomore education majors on 13 skill dimensions essential to effective teaching. Students demonstrate their skills during four simulated activities and receive follow-up modules to remediate weak areas. (Author/CB)

Analysis of data from 27 California colleges and universities demonstrates that lower than average SAT scores for education students can be reconciled with GPA's similar to noneducation students in the same or similar institutions. Implications for future research and teacher education are considered. (IAH)

Northern Arizona University's introductory coursework for prospective teachers was revised from a survey-type covering of various education topics to a field-experience-based course focusing on four areas of teaching as a career choice: motivation, rewards, commitment, and skills. (CB)

Discusses the problem of creativity in physics education, focusing on A-level (advanced level) and bachelor of education students. Reviews results indicating low performance in creativity tests by the two groups and suggests that many educational institutions are not enhancing the development of natural talent. (LS)

Results of a study in which 42 college seniors were given photographs of teachers, accompanied by written statements of the teachers' instructional approach, did not reveal any main effects of attractiveness or gender upon perceptions of competence; although a significant interaction occurred between attractiveness, gender, and authoritarianism.…

The structure of "teacher efficacy" was studied with a sample of 342 prospective and experienced teachers through an efficacy questionnaire. Factors correspond to an internal versus external distinction, similar to the locus-of-control measures of causal attribution. (SLD)

Reports a study of the administration mode, scores, and testing experiences of students taking the PreProfessional Skills Test (PPST) under differing conditions (computer based and paper and pencil). PPST scores and surveys of the students revealed varied test-taking strategies and computer-related alterations in test difficulty, construct,…

The experiences of an African-American teacher educator teaching a human growth and development course to education majors show the resistance students can exhibit to learning about cultural diversity as well as the opportunities for learning that can be fostered. (SLD)

Philosophical origins and evolution of a Brooklyn College (New York) early childhood/elementary teacher education curriculum that integrates studies in liberal arts/sciences and teacher education are described. The curriculum includes a humanities, social sciences, and mathematics/sciences strand. It was developed in response to local realities…

Three teacher educators investigated attitudes of education majors toward inner-city schools. Interventions were effective in changing attitudes of about 40 percent of the 80 students, attitudes that initially reflected the dominant European American culture and the media-perpetuated myths about the inner city. (SLD)

Forty-seven senior education students' attitudes toward teaching special needs children in the mainstream did not change significantly after a four-month practicum. Subjects reported more positive attitudes to mainstreaming than did a similar group of interns from eight years prior. Characteristics such as age and gender were unrelated to…