Search

The article examines the potential for developing teaching experiences into a methods course. To support the theory, a case was described involving a class in University High School which is part of the Curriculum Laboratory of the University of Illinois. Two science methods courses were scheduled for the semester for the students to take. The methods course was scheduled during a seven-week period before an off-campus student teaching experience. Videotapes were used as the basis for methods class discussions. The result indicates the agreement of instructors and student teachers that the system was a good methods course and that it was capable of addressing immediate problems.

The article discusses the potential of a social science teacher to become an effective clinician. The author believes that the teacher, in his or her interaction of the classroom, can diagnose and prescribe an individual student's needs. Further, an assertion was made on the potential of the social science curriculum to provide the educational foundation to integrate the concepts of the academic disciplines with teaching and learning strategies and personal value seeking. In concluding, the author believes that a supportive curriculum can develop a teacher to become a clinician.

The article discusses several studies suggesting the failure of educational provisions for children who showed mental retardation to deliver positive results. The studies revealed that such methods of teaching impedes their development. Some of the basic allegations attributed to such strategies are that labeling harms the children, that special class placement is bad for the child's self concept, that segregated programs are fruitless and that teachers contribute to the self fulfilling prophesy of low achievement. However some of the studies revealed that other kinds of services are more appropriate for some children.

The article discusses some useful tools in the teaching of advertising. The author believes the advertising course is one of the easiest and most interesting to teach as so many teaching aids are available. Students often come to class with many preconceived notions, many of which are wrong. Local businesses and advertising personnel are useful in teaching the processes in developing an advertisement, as investigating a completed advertisement gives no information into the thought processes behind the product. The author also feels keeping up with the newest trends is important in teaching any class, so the teacher should keep up with trade journals.

The article discusses the availability of standard sets of instructional materials for teachers. A demand made upon teachers to find and use illustrative materials has led them to search for sources. In larger school systems, slides, films, pictures and other equipment are available and most helpful for teachers in all grade levels. The said visual materials induce students to become good learners. Materials such as cameras may be helpful for teachers in capturing images in preparation for class presentation.