This study examined perspectives and practices of two secondary social studies teachers who participated in multiple technology integration efforts during their pre-service teacher education program. The study presents similarities and differences of the teachers' technology use during three distinct phases of their development: methods…

The large percentages of teachers in the United States are white, middle class people who may not understand or identify their own cultural connections within the American culture, let alone elaborate their own ancestral cultural elements. Educators are expected to teach a diverse student population, and preservice teachers should be prepared to…

Effective uses of technology in social studies methods courses is an under-researched field. This study focused on the development of WebQuests to engage teacher candidate's exploration of the Internet as an authentic medium for inquiry in social studies education. Analysis of appropriateness of tasks in the WebQuests, depth of ideas and audience…

Many educators agree that pre-service teachers bring into their teacher education programs previously constructed ideas and beliefs about students, teaching, and learning. They contend that it may be difficult for students to change these constructs when participating in a teacher education program whose views of instruction are not congruent with…

Many of the colleges and universities in the United States have developed some form of study abroad programs to enable their students to receive a learning experience outside the continental United States. The desire to give my preservice teachers a study abroad experience unlike any other led me to explore many of the contacts I have made in…

Current pressure on education programs is leading to increased evaluation of course requirements. Alignment with national and state standards and demands for greater accountability are being reflected in teacher certification requirements and graduation proficiencies. There is a great deal of literature that identifies the need and value of…

This manuscript reports the findings from a web-based, issues-centered project created by teacher education students for high school seniors in a government class. The university students compiled web pages that formulated an issue facing the Kansas Legislature and authored questions to be evaluated by the high school government students. The…

Comparison of pre-service social studies teachers in field and non-field based methods courses indicated no significant differences with regard to teaching skills, attitudes, or behaviors teachers should exhibit in the classroom. (Author/DB)

A national survey of 223 colleges and universities with undergraduate elementary teacher education programs showed that most required a course in social studies methods but required less than the 18 credit hours in social science content recommended by the National Council for the Social Studies Teacher Education guidelines. (Author/RM)

Describes an experiment with 48 pre-service social studies teachers to determine the effects of methods instruction and student experiences on teacher attitudes toward social studies. Results suggest that methods courses cause more attitude shifts than student teaching. (AM)

Describes a study which measured the social studies content knowledge of preservice elementary education majors. One hundred twenty-eight elementary social studies methods preservice education majors completed the social studies portion of the General Education Development Test. Results showed weaknesses in student knowledge of political science,…

Fifteen preservice teachers involved in a peer microteaching experience and 20 preservice teachers involved in a field experience were compared to determine: 1) their knowledge of, confidence in performing, and attitude toward teaching skills; 2) performance during student teaching; and 3) attitude toward preparatory coursework taken. Results are…

Ascertains the amount of transfer which takes place between on-campus training in teaching models and field application. Three models of teaching were selected--inquiry; role-playing; and synectics. The results illustrated that a preservice social studies program of model-based instruction fosters a decidedly high potential for transferring the…

The article discusses a study to ascertain what preservice teachers who had completed student teaching knew about and thought about social studies. A survey focused on definition, purpose, and content of social studies education. Results are discussed. (DB)

Offers conclusions of research examining the U.S. history knowledge of 263 elementary education majors. Reports poor performance for the students. Suggests that the students have a greater understanding of more recent historical events than of earlier U.S. history. Argues that knowledge of history is essential in understanding the world and…