The Role of the First Education Course in the Selection and Education of Teachers.

Overview & Synopsis

The College of Education at the University of Arkansas conducted a study in order to update and upgrade its first education course. It was determined that this course was of vital importance since it was an introduction to the field of professional education for students and the first systematic contact the faculty had with prospective educators. The first step in the study was a survey of the current literature, which revealed tentative directions for the new program. These new directions included preprofessional experiences, concentration on first undergraduate courses, self-concept, and more student involvement in course decisions. The second step was to send a questionnaire to 78 universities, seeking information on the role and function of the first course concerning admissions, course content, department where housed, and innovative techniques utilized to introduce students to the field of education. Responses showed a common concern for examination of teacher education programs and a specific concern for using preprofessional experiences in the first course in selection procedures. Using this informational input, a design model was drawn up to provide overall first course aims and objectives. The first course was taught on an experimental basis for one semester to gain feedback as to process of class work and field experiences. A teaching team made up of professional staff met periodically prior to, during, and after the course to determine how to operate more effectively. (RC)