The philosophy of the programs is based on the premise that learning must be efficiently directed to meet pupils' individual needs through varied teaching modes. The academic and professional purpose that unifies the various approaches to foundations of education is the development of interpretive, normative and critical perspectives on education. Foundational study within education relies heavily on the resources and methodologies of the humanities and the social and behavioral sciences. The primary objectives of foundational studies at UNC are to provide experiences and perspectives that allow students to explain and evaluate educational issues, practices and policies in a manner that leads to the development of a disciplined sense of professional responsibility. Foundations courses are a major component in the undergraduate professional education core and in many graduate programs.
Courses are open to all undergraduate and graduate students.
A student pursuing a doctoral degree in any area may take support courses in Foundations of Education. The Middle Grades Education program is designed to prepare educators at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels to teach young adolescents, ages ten to fifteen, in middle school grades five through nine. The content of the programs include understanding of human growth and development, effective teaching strategies appropriate for young adolescents, and middle level curriculum that is responsive to the developmental characteristics of young adolescents. The knowledge base of the programs integrates the academic, professional and personal development domains of learners. Carolyn W. Edwards, Ed.