Microteaching

Abstract: Acknowledgements Thanks Introduction 1. Teacher education: some current models 2. Acquiring received knowledge: the learner's perspective 3. Modes of teaching and learning in teacher education courses 4. Relating theory and practice: the reflective model 5. Classroom observation: recalling and analysing the data 6. Microteaching 7. Supervision and practical experience 8. Assessment in teacher education 9. Course design and assessment: checklist and case study Concluding remarks Some suggestions for further reading Bibliography Index.

Abstract: Research on teacher thinking has established a place for itself within the international educational research enterprise. What is not so clear is how studies of teacher thinking may be of use in improving the quality of teacher preparation programs. This paper promotes a consultant role for researchers on teacher thinking in relation to teacher educators. The current state of knowledge about teacher thinking is summarized under three headings: Preconceptions and Implicit Theories, Planning and Reflection, and Dilemmas and Uncertainty. After each summary, a list of questions is offered as food for thought in the pursuit of understanding and improving learning to teach. The author claims that research on teacher thinking can improve teacher preparation by encouraging thoughtful teacher educators to ask better questions of themselves and of their arts.

Abstract: Summary. A growth in research on teachers' ‘interactive’ thoughts and decision-making has led to the use of the research method of stimulated recall. The method has been employed in a number of different forms, but generally involves the replay of videotape or audiotape of a teacher's lesson in order to stimulate a commentary upon the teacher's thought processes at the time. The appropriate use of the method, the variety of ways in which it has been employed and their advantages and disadvantages are considered together with an examination of the status and validity of recalled thoughts and the problems of interpretation. It is concluded that although questions of validity cannot be completely resolved the technique presents a systematic approach to the collection of data potentially useful in research on teaching.

Abstract: Stage 1: Survival During Stage 1, which may last throughout the first full year of teaching, the teacher's main concern is whether she can survive. This preoccupation with survival may be expressed in questions the teacher asks: "Can I get through the day in one piece? Without losing a child? Can I make it until the end of the week? Until the next vacation? Can I really do this kind of work day after day? Will I be accepted by my colleagues?" Such questions are well expressed in Ryan's enlightening collection of accounts of first-year teaching experiences (3).