A personal philosophy of education is developed including the relationship between a Christian worldview and professional practice. Includes 40 hours of exploratory field experience in diverse educational settings. A course which focuses on the psychology of human development and learning important to the understanding of those influences which affect when an individual is ready to learn and how learning is maximized. Cognitive and linguistic development, personal and social development, and diversity of development is addressed along with various learning theories to provide the basis for principles of effective instruction across developmental stages and exceptionalities. The introduction to and development of phonics skills including terminology, concepts, and an understanding of the essential role of phonics in the reading process.
Emphasis is placed upon the application of phonemic awareness for effective reading instruction.
The exploration and application of creative and aesthetic expression across the early childhood education curriculum with emphasis on art, music, drama, and movement. The focus is on designing environments and teaching methods which value play, small group projects, open-ended questions, group discussion, problem solving, cooperative learning and inquiry experiences. This course examines the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and moral development of the late adolescent and young adult and the corresponding implications for curriculum, instruction, and school organization. An analysis of secondary school curriculum development and procedures involving planning, instructional strategies, and classroom management are addressed with attention given to critical issues in secondary school education. Effective principles related to motivation and self-analysis of teaching competencies are also included.