Course Description
Translation of theories about how children learn into ideas for application in the classroom. Bases for developmentally appropriate practices are examined in light of the students' own experiences as learners.
Athena Title
Orientation to Elementary Ed
Non-Traditional Format
This course provides a variety of mechanisms for introducing students to early childhood education.
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will gain an understanding of the purposes, processes, and structure of the Elementary Education program. Students will utilize the information they independently acquired during the preprofessional experience to construct preliminary theories about how children learn as well as how instruction is presented. Students will utilize their preprofessional experience to formulate an understanding of the child's point of view and ways of thinking as starting points for translating theory into practice, for considering developmentally appropriate practice, and in examining students' and teachers' multiple roles in learning settings. To facilitate students' fluency in computer technology, students will utilize computer applications, such as electronic mail and listservs, to communicate and submit assignments for the course.
Topical Outline
Purposes, processes, structures, and expectations of the Elementary Education Program Philosophy of education Using technology in the elementary classroom Developmentally appropriate practice Reflection on the observations in the preprofessional experience Becoming a reflective teacher What is it like to be a teacher? Culturally responsive teaching and why it is important Influences beyond school in the life of a child What I learned about myself as a beginning teacher from the PEP program Influences on classroom management and organization Students and teachers using problem solving
Syllabus
Public CV