Research Monograph
Preservice Teacher Cohorts and Their Implications
for Mathematics and Science Education
Chris Ohana
Summary Report
Recent reform efforts in preservice teacher education have promoted the concept of preservice teacher cohorts. Cohorts may serve to develop a greater sense of community and may also facilitate an improved understanding of the connections between university studies and school practice. This monograph examines the potential effects of preservice cohorts to improve the preparation of preservice teachers in mathematics and science. It first summarizes research on cohorts in education. It then describes the results of three site visits to preservice teacher programs that include mathematics- and/or science-focused cohorts. While some progress is apparent, there are many areas in mathematics and science preparation that are largely unaffected by the new structure. There may also be effects that are undesirable. Both the literature and the site visits highlight the need for program developers to attend to both design and purpose. More research is needed to document the effects of preservice cohorts on teacher preparation.