An introduction to the profession of teaching, integrating the historical, philosophical, and sociological backgrounds of American public education. The role of the teacher, current issues and research on curriculum, ethics in professional life, the organizational design of schools, including legal structure at the federal, state, and local levels, will be introduced. An introduction to psychological principles applied in classroom settings. Particular attention will be given to learning theory and social modeling theory, classroom management, cultural diversity, measurements and evaluation, data collection through observational techniques and effective teaching research.
Students work with individual and small groups of children to complete instructional activities.
Four hours as a teacher assistant required in the campus lab school and one seminar of discussion. Outside readings required. Students will also gain hands-on experience with the use of computers in the classroom. An introduction to multicultural education with emphasis on the range of human variability found in classroom settings. Topics include learning styles, physical and mental handicaps, learning disabilities, giftedness, race, gender, and family systems.