There is too much focus on petty assignments, journal entries, and readings and not enough focus on doing. Teachers can be as smart as a rocket scientist, but they still need to relate their knowledge effectively to students. The only way teachers learn to be better in the classroom is actually being in the classroom. No amount of studying can prepare a teacher for the actual experience. Do not get me wrong the knowledge needs to be there, but the experience should be the focus.
More time needs to be spent in the field and less time in the classroom.