Describes an experiment designed to change prospective teachers' views of what constitutes a good explanation of a mathematics topic, presenting examples of participants' explanations at three stages of the experiment using a "levels of subject-matter understanding" framework, and suggesting that to effectively teach a topic, teachers'…

Examines difficulties inherent in teaching prospective teachers to reflect on their practice, identifying important facets of the concept and presenting a typology designed to guide teacher educators in teaching reflection to preservice teachers. An example from the University of Washington's Teacher Education Program, in which reflective practice…

Examined the implementation effects of a course on cooperative learning for Dutch student teachers. Data from surveys, pre- and post-course observations, and comparison of treatment of control groups indicated the course was effective in teaching participants to implement cooperative learning. The course positively affected the engagement rates of…

Examined how beginning teachers experienced their professional socialization during the induction phase and how they were confronted with the micropolitical realities of school during induction. Data from personal narratives, surveys, and interviews with Flemish elementary teachers revealed five categories of professional interests (material…

Compared the characteristics of Israeli high school teachers who influenced students' political attitudes with the characteristics of non-influential teachers. Student surveys indicated that influential teachers differed from non-influential teachers in regard to four types of characteristics (sociodemographic, professional, ideological, and…

Acquiring subject matter knowledge and developing teaching methodology in university coursework facilitates changes in conceptions of teaching. Professional conferences and mentor programs help beginning teachers continue acquiring this content and pedagogical knowledge. Through this developmental stage, physical educator majors' and beginning…

Discusses ways to help pre-service physical educators expand their awareness of appropriate class activities, noting the influence of preconceived beliefs and teacher socialization. Suggestions for developing discernment include requiring student teachers to experience movement activities to get a first-hand look at what learners may experience…

Describes the pressures exerted on Hong Kong students by the examination system, discussing the historical background, function, and nature of examinations in Hong Kong and explaining that the Chinese examination experience is different from the contemporary emphasis on examination in North American schools. Writings by Hong Kong students and…

Examines Dutch teachers' views of their teaching responsibilities. Data from interviews with elementary and secondary teachers indicate that many teachers are fearful of moral issues that can arise in their classes, and they avoid situations in which they must settle disputes, handle inappropriate behavior, settle moral dilemmas, and judge what…

Explores teachers' use of moral language when describing and interpreting K-12 classroom and graduate school experiences, analyzing products developed by practicing teachers from a nontraditional Master's program (exit portfolios, reflective essays, and admission essays). Results suggest that teacher education must encourage teachers to envision…

Suggests that schools have a pedagogical responsibility beyond instruction, but that this responsibility should not be understood as the teaching of norms and values. The paper presents a tranformative conception of education, arguing that the pedagogical responsibility, conceived as concern for the whole student, is the proper and…

Describes the moral environment of an inner-city Catholic high school serving African American boys, examining how everyday patterns of interaction and unusual events combine to shape the school's ethos. The analysis discloses how daily conduct inside classrooms funds the larger school environment, highlighting how the school's adults encourage a…

Presents a critical pedagogical analysis and a phenomenological interpretation of a teacher's welcoming talk to children and parents on the first day of school, discussing experiences of strangeness, teacher communication with parents and students, and aspects of a responsive rationality, and concluding that to make a pedagogical relationship…

Discusses how the pedagogical task of teaching involves cultivating pathic dimensions of the epistemology of teaching practice. Teacher knowledge is pathic in that teaching depends on the teacher's presence, relational perspectives, tact for knowing how to act in contingent situations, thoughtful routines and practices, and other aspects of…

Examines assumptions that policy for secondary school teachers' continuing professional development should be dominated by such activities as courses and workshops. Research into learning, communities of practice, and complexity establishes a contrary view that subject departments are prime sites of non- predictable professional learning. The…