Notes prevailing attitudes about early childhood education in Brazil. Examines issues and recent trends in preparing Brazilian teachers of young children: (1) legislation shifting educational responsibility from federal and state governments to local communities; (2) low teacher salaries; (3) poor teaching conditions; (4) the need for leadership;…

Examines recent developments in Australian early childhood teacher education, including its location within the university system and the implications posed by current employment settings. Discusses the relationship between early childhood and elementary education, the lack of national attention to early childhood teacher education, broad-based…

Explores the feasibility of developing guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in early childhood teacher education, based on DAP principles for young children. DAP higher education practices include facilitation of identity development, respect for student interests, and social accountability. Components of DAP in higher…

Describes the design, delivery, and impact of an undergraduate early childhood education course consistent with constructivist principles. Cites results from the Teachers' Belief Questionnaire and examination of student journals indicating students' knowledge and beliefs about teaching had changed. Suggests that helping students recognize…

Describes the design and impact of an inquiry-oriented professional development course on South Carolina teachers' perspectives of homeless children and families. Notes that multiple perspectives, participant involvement in goal setting, and opportunities to apply knowledge in community and school settings led to changed attitudes toward the…

Delineates the need for and describes an experiential course on self-concept development for preservice teachers in the early childhood Associate Degree program at New Mexico State University. Notes that activities designed for nontraditional adult learners focus on development of self-knowledge, esteem, and ideals through self assessment and…

Explores constructivist teaching assumptions of early childhood teacher preparation programs: (1) active adult learning is valued; (2) educational reform begins in university classrooms; (3) translating best practices and research into teaching contributes to classrooms and student teacher supervision; (4) maintaining links to K-12 education…

Notes the importance of providing preservice early childhood educators with ethics guidance and instruction. Summarizes results of Survey of Instruction in Professional Ethics (SIPE) indicating that most early childhood teacher educators include professional ethics instruction. Suggests use of a Code of Ethics, SIPE, textbooks, and videotape…

Argues that sociodramatic play in early childhood education provides children with developmental gains in social, emotional, cognitive, intellectual, language, and creative spheres. Stresses the importance of proper teacher education and practice of classroom sociodramatic play. Summarizes survey of preschool and kindergarten teachers regarding…

An undergraduate education program was revised to keep curriculum content current and relevant in the area of preschool student evaluation. Traditional assessment and evaluation techniques were updated to include portfolio assessment instruction and practical experience at an on-site laboratory. The practicum study provided valuable experience for…

Surveyed undergraduate early childhood course students to determine motivation, career goals, and perceptions of early childhood professionals and their programs. Found that understanding student beliefs and working to broaden perspectives and exposure to real-life situations were important for preservice teacher education programs. (SD)

Reviews research studies on gender inequity in schools, finding problems in teachers' practices, unequal access to entire curriculums as early as the preschool years, and gender inequities in participation in after-school activities. Calls for teachers, teacher educators, and administrators to make gender fairness a priority in the total education…

Argues that active learning approaches should be used in institutions of higher education and with adult students. Argues that the constructivist approach to educating preservice teachers produces better teachers and is achievable despite problems of large classes, restricted textbook choices, and evaluation issues. Provided suggestions for…

Suggests that a holistic approach to teaching prospective teachers should encompass a knowledge base drawn from three paradigms: (1) instrument/technical; (2) interpretive/constructivist; and (3) emancipative/social reconstruction. Argues that use of such an approach will result in professional maturation and an expansion in influence in the…

Describes shortages in qualified early childhood teachers and the trend toward use of programs providing Alternative Teaching Certification (ATC). Examines comparative research between traditionally and nontraditionally trained teachers in the areas of grade level selection, internships, and examination certification, finding successes and…