REFLECTIONS FROM AN UNDERGRADUATE PRESERVICE EARTH SCIENCE TEACHER

Methods courses are typically the first (and all too often the last) opportunity for preservice teachers to integrate content knowledge with training in writing lesson plans and conducting presentations. Writing and running mock trials of lesson plans are important, but methods classes lend themselves to a variety of other experiential methods, especially in unplanned and/or spontaneous formats. Such activities can be cooperative, collaborative, or individualistic, and can hone skills and move students out of their comfort zones.