Implementing Change in a Research University: Constructivist Team Teaching in a General Education Teacher Education Program

Abstract

Several years ago the special education faculty of the University of Washington changed their focus to include more emphasis on participation in the preparation of general elementary and secondary educators in a newly designed masters level teacher preparation program, This change process, described in Affleck and Lowenbraun's (1995) article "Managing Change in a Research University, " included team teaching in general education as a major commitment of the faculty. The current article describes in detail the planning and implementation of a team-taught two-course sequence for secondary educators entitled Adolescent Development and Education. This course includes substantial information on disability and special education. Our approach to team teaching, based on a constructivist model of learning, is illustrated through the presentation of specific learning activities, evaluation procedures and student reactions.