The Influence of a Generalist-Taught Methods Course

The purpose of the study was to examine the biography of a generalist-trained teacher educator, and, from the perspective of undergraduate trainees, how the course content and learning experiences that were offered in one methods course influenced their developing perspectives. Data collection techniques included: (a) nonparticipant observation, (b) formal interviews, (c) informal interviews, and (d) document analysis. A number of findings emerged from the data. First, the pedagogical practices of the teacher educator were influenced by her past experiences and current beliefs. Second, the contingencies of daily life limited the ability of the teacher educator to plan and conduct class in the manner she would have preferred. Third, students believed the course had relatively little impact but were more concerned about the mutual affection fostered in class than the potential of the course to enhance their teaching abilities. Finally, assigning a generalist-trained instructor, as opposed to a teacher education specialist, was the primary factor that may explain limited course impact.