The focus of this course is on the content, methods of teaching, and the curricula as taught at the early childhood, elementary, and middle school levels. A wide range of teaching and learning experiences will be demonstrated and practiced. The course content includes collaborating with the instructor and a cooperating teaching in planning, implementing, and evaluating classroom science instruction. Teachers know the subjects they are teaching and can create learning experiences that make the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline meaningful for students Students will become fluent with the NSTA Standards for the teaching of science for grades PreK-8. Based on these standards, the students will design, implement, and evaluate lessons for class assignments and for field experience which will demonstrate their ability to integrate their knowledge of science concepts and skills with their pedagogical knowledge.
Teachers know how children grow.
Students will demonstrate fluency with the NSTA standards as well as social and cognitive development in oral and written exams as well as in completion of course assignments to analyze texts, reading, and Internet materials and development of a variety of lesson plans designed to meet the needs of all learners. Teachers understand that children learn differently. In field experience, students will work in inclusive classrooms and have experience in planning and implementing lessons for students with a range of learning and behavior differences. Teachers know how to teach, understand, and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. Teachers know how to manage a classroom.