Course Descriptions
EDUC 600D The Teacher in the Classroom 3 credits
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful teacher. Students in this course will examine personal reasons for becoming a teacher by researching philosophies of education and creating their own philosophy. Characteristics of effective teaching will be examined, and students in the class will learn and practice reflection. As the first course in the MAED, Curriculum and Instruction, students will be introduced to some of the core principles of the National Board of Teaching Standards by developing a work sample of teaching, a case study of a student, and an educational portfolio. The course concludes with a service-learning project developed and implemented with the teacher’s classroom.
EDUC 642D Integrating Technology into the Classroom 3 credits
Teachers examine current issues and topics in education including the effects of standards-based learning, the integration of technology in educational settings, and political and societal effects on education. The focus of the course is on emerging trends and issues in education and professional dialogue. At the conclusion of this course, you will have explored what is necessary to prepare students for a highly technological information-age society, and articulated their view of the teacher's role in the information age.
EDUC 643D Teaching and Learning in an Academically Diverse Classroom 6 credits
This course will examine current curricular approaches with particular emphasis on constructivism. Participants will identify essential and unit questions for their curriculum utilizing their state’s academic standards. Curriculum maps will be designed identifying the content, skills, and assessments necessary to work on the standards. Learner diversity will be explored and strategies identified which create learner responsive classrooms. Differentiation of instruction will be addressed in-depth. We will explore strategies, formats and classroom structures that increase the likelihood of student success in learning.
EDUC 652D Alternative Assessment Models 6 credits
Assessment strategies are being developed that will enable classroom teachers to assess student performance consistent with recent learning theories. The course includes basic statistical analysis. Teachers apply an assessment design process to develop strategies for a curricular unit, which align learning goals to assessment methods. Teachers explore current thoughts about the grading process and examine new methodologies for recording and reporting learning progress.
Action Research Sequence
EDUC 665D Introduction to Action Research 2 credits
This is the first course in the action research sequence. Elements of collaborative action research are identified and discussed. Writing a review of the literature, formulating a research question, and determining methods for collecting data are key activities.
EDUC 891D Action Research Project 1 credit
An action research project is planned and carried out in a school setting. Students work with an advisor in the development and completion of this research. A public presentation is the culminating experience for the research sequence. No class attendance.
EDUC 658D Classrooms by Design 3 credits
In this course, students will choose one provided topic that includes modules that include links to relevant resources and analytical problem solving exercises about that topic. Topics will include classroom management strategies and aesthetic exercises. Integration will occur as the student applies the topic to their grade level and one other significant curricular area. For example, if a student chooses the topic about aesthetics, she will complete all of the modules included with this topic and connect the exercises to her specific grade level and/or field plus create a demonstration of the project. This will allow students to focus on their particular teaching field and grade level plus use practical integrative techniques in their chosen topic. The course is technology rich and topical investigations will be demonstrated through innovative instructional models that can be applied directly to classroom learning. The topics, coordinated modules and evidence of final project will be worth three credits.
Action Research Sequence
EDUC 670D Integration Seminar 2 credits ON CAMPUS
This is the second course in the action research sequence. Data collection techniques and strategies for analyzing and interpreting data are studied. Completing the action research project report and determining appropriate “actions” from the research are foci of this course.
EDUC 892D Action Research Project 1 credit
EDUC 680D Teacher as Educational Leader 3 credits
Definitions of teacher leadership and their implications for the classroom are examined. The teacher’s role in school reform and the politics of education are studied within the transformative education framework.