To adequately evaluate the current calls for reform, and to provide needed leadership in shaping educational opportunities, students need to understand the foundations of education. Areas of study are history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, legal matters, and current issues related to education. The concern in this course is with the forces and ideas that have influenced and are now shaping education in America. The course will emphasize what we know about how the brain works and what we know about effective teaching and learning strategies. An examination of the background knowledge and practical experience essential to planning quality instruction.
Effective educators utilize appropriate instructional objectives, lesson design, and assessment.
The content methods course that follows will further extend the understanding and expertise developed in this course. Utilize knowledge developed in previous courses to create a collection of authentic documents and personal reflections for professional teacher development. Equips students with some of the tools necessary for becoming life-long students of teaching. Taken concurrently with EDU650. Current methods and approaches used in the teaching of science in grades 5-12.