Students assess how well integrated curriculum addresses divergent needs and interests of young adolescents and promotes the development of basic skills, critical-thinking, problem solving, and creativity. Special emphasis is given to criteria for evaluation, analysis of literary elements, reader response theory and the curricular uses of literature in developing response activities, lessons, and integrated units of study, particularly in the middle level concentrations of science, social studies, and mathematics. A study of means to assess classroom conditions and pupil behaviors, and to produce such conditions and behaviors to provide a good learning environment. Special emphasis is given to collaboration with school colleagues, parents, and community agencies to support students' learning and well-being. A study of means to assess classroom conditions and pupil behaviors, and to produce such conditions and behaviors that provide a good learning environment.
Specific emphasis is given to enhancing critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
A seminar addressing current issues related to cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity. The future teacher is involved in observing, tutoring and teaching in a classroom at the level and in the discipline of the intended license. A study of the principles and practices of facilitating development of oral language, thinking skills, and literacy in young children, preschool through third grade and others whose literacy development has been delayed. Special emphasis is given to practical classroom methods, instructional materials, and individualized strategies to facilitate literacy development through a whole language approach with quality children's literature as the foundation of the curriculum. EDU403, EDU411, EDU413, and EDU423.