From cohort to community in a preservice teacher education program

It is often suggested that student teachers be placed in cohorts during their preservice program. In this paper we describe how we implemented a cohort model and examine the effects on our student teachers. We found there were many positive effects, such as a high level of participation in whole class and small group activities. greater awareness of the value of collaboration, and greater willingness to take risks in collegial relationships and in the practicum. However. the approach proved to be quite demanding for the faculty, strong institutional support will be needed if the model is to be widely implemented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.